Abstract
Objectives. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the efficacy of manual acupuncture for optic atrophy. Eight English and Chinese databases, including Cochrane Library, EMbase, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), as well as ongoing trials registered with the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying manual acupuncture for optic atrophy compared to medication alone. The quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3. Nine studies were identified and included for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed significant differences in favor of manual acupuncture or manual acupuncture plus medication compared with medication alone in the following outcome measures: visual acuity (MD = 0.18, 95% CI [0.17, 0.20], P < 0.00001), mean sensitivity of visual field (MD = 2.11, 95% CI [1.90, 2.32], P < 0.00001), the latent period of P-VEP100 (MD = -6.80, 95% CI [-8.94, -4.66], P < 0.00001), the total effectiveness (264 eyes) (OR = 3.22, 95% CI [1.88, 5.51], P<0.0001), and the total effectiveness (344 participants) (OR = 4.29, 95% CI [2.56, 7.19], P < 0.00001). Despite statistical advantages of manual acupuncture in the literature, due to serious methodological flaws in study design, it cannot be concluded that manual acupuncture is more effective than medicine alone. It is essential that a properly controlled clinical trial is designed and controls are established to exclude placebo effects.
Highlights
Optic atrophy is a condition in which the retinal ganglion cells and their axons degenerate
Articles that meet the following criteria were included: (1) the included trials were randomized controlled trials studying manual acupuncture for treating optic atrophy; (2) the included patients were diagnosed with optic atrophy, regardless of the nationality, race, sex, age or causes; (3) we included studies on manual acupuncture or manual acupuncture with medication compared to medication alone
Eight databases were searched from inception to March 27, 2018, including Cochrane Library, EMbase, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), as well as ongoing clinical trials registered with the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
Summary
Optic atrophy is a condition in which the retinal ganglion cells and their axons degenerate. It usually manifests as variable degrees of visual dysfunction and a gray or pale optic disc [1,2,3]. Optic atrophy can be an independent disease but the endpoint of multiple eye or somatic diseases [4, 5]. It has many risking factors, such as infection, ischemia, compression, trauma, toxic, degeneration, demyelination, and genetic diseases [6,7,8,9]. Due to its complex causes, high incidence, long extension, high possibility causing blindness, and significant influence on life and work, optic atrophy has drawn great attention in the medical field [12, 13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
