TrAdITIonAl ChInese MedICIne In dry eye syndroMe

In recent years, the prevalence of dry eye has been on the rise due to an ageing global population, increased usage of medication and environment irritants. Current available treatments for dry eye include artificial eye drops, artificial tear ointment, vitamin A ointment, special eyewear, antiautoimmunity drugs and lacrimal punctum occlusion. However, these treatments have limited effects. The development of dry eye treatments has been hampered by a limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes. Based on the clinical research trial data from recent years, there is strong evidence suggesting that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) would provide an alternative treatment modality for the patients with dry eye syndrome and have its advantage measurements over the standard western clinical measurements when compare the treatments. In this chapter, we aim to explore common TCM treatments available for dry eye syndrome, comprising herbal medicine, acupuncture or a combination of both methods. Clinical trial data also strongly suggest that TCM provides an alternative mode of treatment for dry eye syndrome and is safer, more economical, and provides longer lasting effects.