Acupuncture Can Improve Cataract Surgery outcomes

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Surgery is invasive. Acupuncture is not. When used in conjunction with one another, acupuncture can typically help to alleviate post-surgical symptoms and pain, and increase the overall efficacy of the procedure.

This has just been proven once again in regards to cataracts.

And we age, our vision can often get blurry or cloudy due to a cataract. If this happens, an ophthalmologist may suggest surgery to replace your eye’s lens. Incredibly common and reasonably safe, many Americans have this done each year.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some side effects that are possible. These include:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Detached retina

  • Pressure-type pain

  • Loosening of the new lens implant

  • Fluid buildup

  • Drooping appearance of eyelid

Thankfully, acupuncture can help.

As HealthCMI reports that researches have concluded acupuncture treatment increases positive post-surgery outcomes for those with comorbid glaucoma.

In fact, patients reported, “better intraocular pressure, aqueous outflow (F value), pain relief, and visual acuity when receiving acupuncture and tuina massage.” (Tuina massage is a massage that focuses on a specific problem area and often accompanies acupuncture.)

In the study, one group received acupuncture and tuina while the control group received phacoemulsification monotherapy only.

Acupuncture and tuina started three days before the operation. Tuina was administered by ophthalmologic nurses and acupuncture was administered by licensed acupuncturists. Treatment lasted a total of 60 days.

After the duration of treatment, he number of patients that presented with general clinical symptoms in the TCM treatment group were significantly lower than in the control group.

It’s been well established that acupuncture, when paired with surgical recovery, can be effective. This study helps to, once again, prove the point. (Pun intended.)