Effects of Chinese Acupoint Eye Exercise on Ocular Biological Parameters

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the effects of Chinese acupoint eye exercises on ocular vascular parameters and to understand its role in modulating blood flow dynamics after near-vision tasks. Methods: Fifty-five participants (110 eyes) from September through November 2023 randomized to four groups: the standard Chinese acupoint eye exercise group (SCAEE), sham acupoint eye exercise group (SAEE), simply eye closure group, and simply distance looking group (SDL). Ocular parameters, including retinal and choroidal thickness, perfusion area, and vessel density, were measured using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography. The impact of these exercises was evaluated through paired samples t-tests. Results: All groups experienced an overall increase in retinal thickness, except for the SDL group. Significant thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer was observed in SCAEE group, and SDL group. However, the outer retina layer showed the most significant thinning in SDL group. The perfusion area displayed a decrease in deep vascular perfusion and an increase in superficial vascular perfusion area in SCAEE group and SAEE group. All interventions showed an immediate decrease in choroidal thickness, with the SCAEE group and the SAEE group showing significant increases after a longer period. Conclusions: Periocular acupressure showed a direct, instant, and continuing impact on retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, perfusion area, and vascular density. Translational Relevance: Our findings demonstrate that periocular acupressure induces significant changes in ocular vascular parameters after near-vision tasks, suggesting its potential role of alleviating accommodative stress and thus contribute to delaying myopia onset in high-risk populations.