Acupuncture and Ocular Penetration

Abstract

A woman with bothersome dry eye syndrome sought relief through traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture treatment at the Chengqi point was performed, and the patient noted slight pain and a light flash during the process. The patient reported subjective improvement in dry eye symptoms, but the light flashes continued intermittently. A retinal examination showed retinal tears associated with hemorrhages in both eyes (Fig A-D). The Chengqi acupoint is located below the mid-point of the superior orbital rim.