Avenue Acupuncture FAQs

Common causes include age (tear production declines with age, especially in women postmenopause), medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and birth control pills, diseases such as autoimmune conditions, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, dry or windy environments, and too much screen time, which reduces blinking.

An optometrist or eye care professional will usually perform a comprehensive eye exam to measure tear volume and quality. The most common treatment is over-the-counter eye drops that act as artificial tears. Anti-inflammatories, tear stimulating drugs, or surgery may be considered depending on severity, and any underlying medication or condition causing the dryness may also be addressed.

No needles go into the eye. Most of the acupuncture points used for dry eyes are actually in the ears and hands. Treatment addresses both the dry eye symptoms and the internal imbalance contributing to the condition, stimulating the glands around the eye directly and indirectly to increase oil production that keeps the eye moistened.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes where high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye (the retina). The vessels can become blocked, leak, or grow abnormally, and left untreated the condition can cause blindness. It is currently the leading cause of blindness in Canadians under 50.

Non-proliferative (early stage) is when existing vessels swell and leak but no new vessels have formed yet. Proliferative (advanced stage) is when new, fragile blood vessels grow along the retina and leak blood and fluid, which can cause blurry vision to progress quickly to severe vision loss.

Symptoms can include dark spots anywhere in your visual field, blurry or distorted vision, seeing double, or large floaters that move around. Diabetic retinopathy may not cause vision loss right away, which is why regular eye exams are important for anyone living with diabetes.

Acupuncture treatment aims to regulate blood flow and improve circulation to the retina. Better circulation helps weakened vessels, macular edema, and fat deposits work themselves out, which helps improve eye function and decrease further damage. Treatment involves needles placed in the hands, feet, and around the eyebrow. No needles go into the eye.

Yes. Needles do NOT go into the eye. When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and non-invasive, and is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care.

This varies by individual. Many patients begin to see changes after 3-6 sessions. A full treatment plan is typically 10-20 sessions, depending on severity and the patient’s rate of response.

While every case is unique, many patients experience faster fluid resolution, fewer symptoms, and reduced recurrence when combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with appropriate medical care.