Dry eye syndrome — Wokingham, Berkshire

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for dry eye syndrome at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) affects an estimated one in five UK adults, with prevalence rising sharply in the screen-using population and in post-menopausal women. Beyond artificial tears, conventional options are limited. Traditional Chinese medicine treats dry eye as a manifestation of Liver Blood and Kidney Yin depletion, with acupuncture demonstrably increasing tear production and improving symptoms in published trials. Over 25 years of clinical experience.

On this page

1. What is dry eye syndrome?
2. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
3. Causes & risk factors
4. Dry eye in traditional Chinese medicine
5. Acupuncture for dry eye
6. Chinese herbal medicine
7. Self-care for dry eye
8. Commonly asked questions

1. What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a multifactorial disease of the tear film and ocular surface caused by insufficient tear production, excessive tear evaporation, or both. The result is ocular discomfort, visual disturbance and surface inflammation that can become chronic and self-perpetuating. Two principal subtypes are recognised:

1. Aqueous-deficient dry eye — reduced tear secretion by the lacrimal glands; common in post-menopausal women and in Sjögren’s syndrome
2. Evaporative dry eye — meibomian gland dysfunction causing rapid tear-film breakup; common in chronic blepharitis and screen-overuse populations

Most patients have a mixed picture. Conventional management uses artificial tear drops, lid hygiene, omega-3 supplementation, prescription anti-inflammatories (cyclosporine drops, lifitegrast), and in severe cases punctal plugs or scleral lenses. Many patients find these only partially helpful.

2. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome

1. Gritty, sandy or burning sensation in the eyes — worse late in the day
2. Reflex tearing — paradoxically, dry eyes often water excessively when exposed to wind, cold or screens
3. Stringy mucus discharge — from disrupted tear-film composition
4. Light sensitivity (photophobia)
5. Blurred vision — fluctuating, improves transiently with blinking
6. Foreign-body sensation — feeling there is something in the eye
7. Eye fatigue with reading or screen use
8. Difficulty wearing contact lenses

3. Causes and risk factors

1. Age — tear production naturally declines from the fifth decade onwards
2. Female sex and menopause — oestrogen and androgen changes affect lacrimal function
3. Screen use — blink rate falls by 60% during screen work, accelerating tear evaporation
4. Contact lens wear
5. Autoimmune disease — especially Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
6. Medications — antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, isotretinoin, diuretics
7. Environmental — air conditioning, central heating, wind, low humidity, smoke
8. Refractive surgery — post-LASIK dry eye is common in the first months
9. Chronic blepharitis — meibomian gland dysfunction

4. Dry eye in traditional Chinese medicine

In TCM, the eyes are the “sense organ of the Liver” and are nourished by the Liver Blood. The five-element theory further connects each part of the eye to a different organ (pupils to Kidney, iris to Liver, sclera to Lung, eyelids to Spleen, inner canthus to Heart). Dry eye is most commonly understood as:

1. Liver Blood deficiency — dry, tired, blurred eyes worse in the evening; pale tongue, thin pulse
2. Kidney Yin deficiency — dry eyes with hot flushes, night sweats, lower back ache; common in menopause
3. Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency — the combined pattern, dominant in chronic dry eye
4. Lung Yin deficiency — dry eyes with dry mouth, dry skin, dry cough
5. Damp-Heat in the Liver channel — in acute red-eye, inflammatory presentations

5. Acupuncture for dry eye

Acupuncture for dry eye has growing trial evidence including a 2020 meta-analysis showing significant improvement in Schirmer test (tear production), tear break-up time and Ocular Surface Disease Index symptom scores. Mechanisms include direct stimulation of lacrimal gland function via local periorbital points, modulation of autonomic regulation of tear production, and reduction of ocular surface inflammation.

Periocular points include BL 2 (Cuanzhu), BL 1 (Jingming), GB 1 (Tongziliao), ST 1 (Chengqi), TB 23 (Sizhukong), Yuyao and Qiuhou. These are combined with constitutional tonification points: LV 3, LV 8, KD 3, SP 6 and GB 37 (Guangming — “Bright Light”). Periocular needling requires careful technique with very fine needles; I use only sterile, single-use needles. Weekly treatment for 8–12 weeks is the typical initial course.

6. Chinese herbal medicine for dry eye

The most important formula for Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with dry eyes is Qi Ju Di Huang Wan — Lycium, Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill — specifically formulated for dry, red, tired eyes from Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency. Gou Qi Zi (Goji berry / Lycium) and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) are the chief herbs and can also be taken as a daily tea. For predominant Liver Blood deficiency: Si Wu Tang as the base formula. For Lung Yin deficiency with widespread dryness: Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang. The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

7. Self-care for dry eye

The 20-20-20 rule

For every 20 minutes of screen work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This restores normal blink rate and reduces tear-film evaporation. Place a sticky note on your monitor as a reminder.

Warm compresses and lid hygiene

A warm compress over closed eyes for 5–10 minutes daily softens meibomian gland secretions and improves the lipid layer of the tear film. Follow with gentle lid massage. This is one of the most effective non-prescription interventions for evaporative dry eye.

Omega-3 supplementation

Daily omega-3 (1–2g EPA + DHA) reduces meibomian gland inflammation and improves tear-film quality in trial evidence.

Environmental modification

Use a humidifier during winter heating, avoid direct draughts from air conditioning, position screens slightly below eye level (so the upper lid covers more of the cornea), reduce ceiling fan use.

Dietary support

In TCM terms, dry eye benefits from Yin-nourishing foods: pears, white mushrooms, sesame seeds, wolfberries (goji), tofu, fish, almonds. Reduce spicy, fried, alcohol and excess coffee — all of which further deplete Yin and aggravate dryness.

8. Commonly asked questions about acupuncture for dry eye

How quickly does acupuncture help dry eye?

Most patients notice a meaningful reduction in symptoms within 4–6 weekly sessions. Objective measures (Schirmer test, tear break-up time) typically improve by 8–10 weeks. Maintenance treatment every 2–4 weeks sustains the benefit.

Can I still use my prescribed eye drops?

Yes — acupuncture complements rather than replaces artificial tears and prescribed eye drops. Many patients find their need for drops reduces as acupuncture takes effect.

Is periocular needling safe?

Yes, when performed by a fully qualified practitioner using sterile single-use needles. The points around the eye are well-established and have been used safely for centuries. I use the finest gauge needles and gentle technique for periocular points.

Will acupuncture help my Sjögren’s syndrome?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine cannot cure autoimmune Sjögren’s syndrome but substantially reduce the dry-eye and dry-mouth symptoms it produces. Treatment works alongside rheumatology care.

How much does treatment cost?

Full pricing is on the treatment prices page. An initial acupuncture consultation is £70 at Wokingham; follow-up sessions are £60.