East meets West in new treatment for dry eyes

Study combining acupuncture and eye drops on patients achieved best results

Madam Tan Hwa Moi undergoing acupuncture treatment as part of the clinical trial to treat dry eyes. The study was part of a three-year collaboration between the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution.
Madam Tan Hwa Moi undergoing acupuncture treatment as part of the clinical trial to treat dry eyes. The study was part of a three-year collaboration between the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution. PHOTO: SINGAPORE EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
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The results of a new collaboration involving Western and traditional Chinese medicine could prove to be a sight for sore eyes - literally.

Researchers tested a technique using eye drops and acupuncture to treat a common condition called "dry eye", which causes redness and inflammation around the eyes.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 29, 2018, with the headline East meets West in new treatment for dry eyes. Subscribe