Influence of complex application of heliox therapy and acupuncture on maximally corrected visual acuity in patients with acute form of central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Central serous chorioretinopathy is a socially significant problem, as it is one of the most common diseases of the retina. It is more common in males of working age.
 AIM: to evaluate the effect of the combined use of heliox therapy and acupuncture on the most corrected visual acuity in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 34 men (34 eyes) with central serous chorioretinopathy, whose mean age was 362.3 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups comparable according to clinical and laboratory data: the main one ― 22 people, average age 323.1 years, who in the first two weeks received a complex of physiotherapeutic treatment, including: heliox 21, for a course of 10 daily procedures and acupuncture, also for a course of 10 daily procedures, and a control ― 12 people, average age 341.5 years, who, after consulting a neurologist, were prescribed medication (light sedatives, the Nutrof vitamin complex, diuretics 1 time in 3 days with restoration of electrolyte balance, alcohol restriction), which served as a background in the main group.
 Visometry (visual acuity) was used to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Before treatment, after 2 weeks, after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months.
 RESULTS: Before treatment in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy, the maximum corrected visual acuity was reduced by 44.2% compared to the norm ― 0.950.05 (p 0.001) and comparable in the main group 0.540.05 and in the control group 0.530.05 (p=0.901). The maximum increase in visual acuity in patients of the main group was already two weeks later, with a subsequent increase in the indicator during the year, approaching the normal values at the last observation point (1 year). In addition, all patients after treatment noted a decrease in the intensity or exclusion of metamorphopsia. In the maximally corrected visual acuity control group, significantly less significant results were obtained at all control points.
 CONCLUSION: Under the influence of the combined use of heliox therapy and acupuncture in patients with acute form of central serous chorioretinopathy, a more pronounced and persistent increase in maximally corrected visual acuity occurred compared to drug treatment.