Acupuncture as a complementary treatment for glaucoma
Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Glaucoma - Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if acupuncture can help people with glaucoma feel better and manage their symptoms when used alongside their usual treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Trial ID | NCT05753137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the use of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for patients with glaucoma. A total of 50 subjects will be randomly assigned to either an ophthalmic acupoint treatment group or a non-ophthalmological acupoint control group. Over a 12-week period, participants will receive weekly acupuncture sessions, with various assessments conducted to evaluate intraocular pressure and quality of life related to glaucoma. The study aims to provide insights into the efficacy of acupuncture in managing glaucoma symptoms and inform future treatment guidelines.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 20 and older with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma who are currently using glaucoma medications.
Not a fit: Patients who have undergone recent ophthalmic surgery, have high myopia, or are unable to receive acupuncture treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new complementary approach to managing glaucoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach for glaucoma is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Primary open angle glaucoma diagnosed at least 3 months ago. 2. Diagnosed with mild or moderate open angel glaucoma. 3. Use 1 or 2 kinds of glaucoma drugs. 4. Age ≥ 20 years old. 5. Participants sign the informed consent and cooperate with the experimental procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Accept any ophthalmic laser or surgery within one year. 2. High myopia. 3. Use of any drugs that affect intraocular pressure. 4. Visual acuity with correction lower than 0.2. 5. Previous or existing uveitis or retinopathy. 6. Unable to receive acupuncture treatment continuously or allergic to acupuncture needles. 7. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. 8. Refusal to sign the informed consent form.
Where this trial is running
Taichung
- China Medical University Hospital — Taichung, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: LEE YU-CHEN, Ph.D
- Email: d5167@mail.cmuh.org.tw
- Phone: 886-4-22052121
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.