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Submitted: 2020-09-07
DOI: 10.35119/myjo.v3i1.169
Brief Reports
Published: 2021-03-30

A series of acupuncture-related ocular injuries in Malaysia

Department of Ophthalmology, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Selayang, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Synergy Specialist Eye Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Oasis Eye Specialists, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Department of Ophthalmology, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
acupuncture intervention ocular injury threatening complications

Abstract

Introduction: Acupuncture is a complementary medicine that has gained popularity in treating various systemic illness including the eye. However, there are few reported complications following acupuncture to the eye structures.

Purpose: To create awareness regarding the potential complications following acupuncture involving the eye and orbit.

Study design: Case series.

Materials and methods: We report six cases of ocular complications related to acupuncture procedures in Malaysia, from August 2019 until December 2019. The cases were compiled from a group of ophthalmologists who encountered the patients.

Results: The magnitude of the severity of complications ranges from non-sight-threatening complications to sight-threatening complications requiring evisceration. The complications compiled in this case series include preseptal cellulitis, subconjunctival haemorrhage, traumatic cataract, vitreous haemorrhage, macular hole, globe rupture, and panophthalmitis. Following the complications, patients who sustained sight-threatening complications required further surgical interventions.

Conclusion: Acupuncture has significant ocular morbidity if performed incorrectly in the eye or orbital area, ranging from mild to total loss of the eye.