Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Dry Eye Syndrome, Stress, and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: A Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure on dry eye syndrome, stress, and depressive symptoms in older adults.Methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 42 people aged 65 years or older who experienced stress and had an Ocular Surface Disease Index score of 13 or higher. Auricular acupressure using vaccaria seeds was applied to both ears for 3 weeks at several acupoints, including the shenmen, liver, heart, endocrine system, eye, and anterior lobe areas. In the placebo group, blank patches were applied to the hip, lumbar vertebrae, shoulder, and cervical vertebrae points. The measures used were the Dry Eye Syndrome Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, salivary cortisol levels, electrodermal activity measured using a Fitbit device, and a depression scale.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for dry eye syndrome (t=3.442, p=.002), perceived stress (t=3.455, p=.001), salivary cortisol (z=-3.703, p<.001), and depressive symptoms (t=2.113, p=.043).Conclusion: Auricular acupressure improved in dry eye syndrome, perceived stress, salivary cortisol levels, and depressive symptoms in older adults. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for dry eye syndrome, stress, and depressive symptoms.