Acupuncture for Dry Eyes: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever felt like your eyes are constantly dry, irritated, or gritty, you’re not alone. Millions of people live with dry eye disease, and for some, traditional treatments like artificial tears or prescription drops fall short. That’s where acupuncture a centuries-old healing method has entered the conversation as a natural alternative.

But how well does it actually work? Here's what current research says about acupuncture for dry eye, and what you should know before giving it a try.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to lie along pathways, or “meridians,” that regulate the flow of energy called qi (pronounced “chee”). Disruptions in this energy flow are thought to contribute to illness.

Though widely used for pain relief, headaches, and stress, acupuncture has been increasingly studied for other conditions, including eye disorders like dry eye.

Can Acupuncture Help with Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can include burning, redness, blurry vision, and that telltale gritty sensation. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help by reducing inflammation, increasing tear production, and improving overall eye comfort.

Key findings from recent research include:

• A 2019 randomized controlled trial showed that participants receiving real acupuncture had significantly more relief from symptoms like dryness, redness, and discomfort than those who received “sham” acupuncture. However, there wasn’t much difference in tear production based on clinical tests.

• A 2018 meta-analysis of 19 studies found that acupuncture was more effective than artificial tears in improving two common measures of dry eye: the Schirmer test (tear volume) and tear breakup time (tear stability). Treatment was most effective when done less than three times per week for over a month.

Still, most studies are small and vary in design, so the evidence while promising isn’t conclusive.

Common Acupuncture Points for Dry Eye

In acupuncture treatments for dry eye, practitioners often target specific points on the face and body that are thought to influence eye health and tear production, such as:

• BL1 (Jingming)–near the inner corner of the eye

• GB20 (Fengchi)–at the base of the skull

• ST1 and ST2–beneath the eyes

• LI4 (Hegu)–on the hand between the thumb and index finger

• SP6 (Sanyinjiao)–on the inner leg

These points may help stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and rebalance energy flow, potentially easing dry eye symptoms.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Minor pain or bruising at the needle site

• Light bleeding

• Temporary dizziness or fatigue

Rare complications may occur if the treatment is done improperly, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes. A 2021 case study reported retinal injury in one woman after acupuncture for dry eye, although such cases are extremely uncommon.

To minimize risks, always choose a certified acupuncture provider, ideally one with experience in treating eye conditions.

Natural Alternatives for Dry Eye Relief

If you’re considering acupuncture but want to explore other natural approaches first, here are several evidence-backed lifestyle adjustments that can help relieve dry eye:

• Add a humidifier to increase indoor moisture

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect from wind and sun

• Avoid air blowing directly into your eyes (from fans or vents)

• Increase omega-3 intake through fatty fish, flaxseeds, or supplements

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Adjust screen positioning to look slightly downward

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

These changes, combined with over-the-counter drops or gels, may offer noticeable improvements before considering acupuncture.

Should You Try Acupuncture for Dry Eye?

While more research is needed, acupuncture appears to offer modest benefits for some people struggling with chronic dry eye. It may be worth exploring, particularly if conventional treatments haven’t worked well for you. However, it’s best to view acupuncture as a complementary therapy not a replacement for medically approved treatment.

Talk to your eye doctor before starting acupuncture, especially if you have underlying eye conditions or are receiving other treatments.

If you found this article helpful, share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more wellness insights.