Using auricular nerve stimulation to treat dry eye disease

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Dry Eye Disease With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, A Randomized Clinical Trial

PHASE1; PHASE2 · Beijing Tongren Hospital · NCT06544447

This study is testing if a new treatment using auricular nerve stimulation can help people with dry eye disease feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment135 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tongren Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06544447 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in patients suffering from dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. A total of 270 patients will be enrolled at Beijing Tongren Hospital, where they will receive training to self-administer the treatment at home. The study will assess therapeutic effects through various questionnaires and clinical measures at baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Statistical significance will be determined with a P value of less than 0.05.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of certain medical conditions, such as depression, tumors, or cardiac diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with dry eye disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using taVNS is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \>=18 and Age \<=65.
2. Clinical diagnosis of dry eye disease with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of depression, tumors, thyroid disease, diabetes, cardiac diseases.
2. History of Otorhinolaryngology surgery.
3. Pregnant or lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dry Eye, Dry eye,

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.