Clipping Board » Medical Harm ─ Unnecessary or inappropriate medical procedures can also cause harm.
Feng Huiyi / Taichung Report | China Times Electronic News – April 24, 2012
A 53-year-old woman sought acupuncture treatment for "floaters" in both eyes but allegedly suffered a left eye injury during the procedure, causing "flashing lights" and significant discomfort. An ophthalmological examination revealed retinal detachment, nearly leading to blindness. Dr. You Zhijun, director of ophthalmology at Cheng Ching Hospital, stated that such acupuncture-related injuries are indeed rare. She reminded the public to avoid needle insertion around the eyeball during acupuncture to prevent ocular damage.
The woman had been troubled by floaters in recent years, often seeing dark shadows in her vision. Upon a friend’s recommendation, she tried traditional Chinese acupuncture. Unexpectedly, after her first session, she noticed lightning-like flashes in her left eye, along with increasing dark shadows, causing further discomfort and anxiety. She promptly sought medical attention at the hospital.
Examinations showed a small circular hole in the upper retina of her left eye, suspected to be caused by an overly steep needle insertion angle during acupuncture. Additionally, there was vitreous hemorrhage. Although retinal laser treatment was administered, retinal detachment was already observed around the tear, necessitating retinal surgery.
Dr. You noted that the patient recalled the acupuncture point being above the eyebrow. Based on the retinal tear’s location, it was likely due to an excessive needle angle, leading to eye injury. She emphasized that while patients have the right to choose any treatment, they should avoid needle insertion near the eyeball during acupuncture to prevent harm.
Dr. You explained that floaters are a common eye condition caused by vitreous opacities, often due to degeneration or high myopia. Some cases may involve retinal holes, and if left untreated, severe retinal detachment can occur. She advised patients with floaters to undergo thorough retinal examinations to rule out retinal diseases and ensure early treatment, preventing vision loss.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E7……6% 83% E9% 96% 83- 213000335. html;_ylt=AqiHkv4Zq9e0ZdD7X.KWxrbfBdF_;_ylu=X3oDMTNyMmxpcXJlBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBIZWFsdGhTRgRwa2cDYWJmODQ2ZTYtOGUxMC0zOTRkLThlZDktYmFmMzY5NjUzZjk0BHBvcwM4BHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzZjNzE3NDgwLThkOGYtMTFlMS04MGU3LWExNWJiYzc4Y2Q5Ng--;_ylg=X3oDMTF2cGJyc2o1BGludGwDdHcEbGFuZwN6aC1oYW50LXR3BHBzdGFpZAMEcHN0Y2F0A.WBpeW6twRwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3
Eye Treatment - Suspected Improper Acupuncture Turns Eye Floaters into Flashing Lights
A 53-year-old woman sought acupuncture treatment for "floaters" in both eyes but allegedly suffered a left eye injury during the procedure, causing "flashing lights" and significant discomfort. An ophthalmological examination revealed retinal detachment, nearly leading to blindness. Dr. You Zhijun, director of ophthalmology at Cheng Ching Hospital, stated that such acupuncture-related injuries are indeed rare. She reminded the public to avoid needle insertion around the eyeball during acupuncture to prevent ocular damage.
The woman had been troubled by floaters in recent years, often seeing dark shadows in her vision. Upon a friend’s recommendation, she tried traditional Chinese acupuncture. Unexpectedly, after her first session, she noticed lightning-like flashes in her left eye, along with increasing dark shadows, causing further discomfort and anxiety. She promptly sought medical attention at the hospital.
Examinations showed a small circular hole in the upper retina of her left eye, suspected to be caused by an overly steep needle insertion angle during acupuncture. Additionally, there was vitreous hemorrhage. Although retinal laser treatment was administered, retinal detachment was already observed around the tear, necessitating retinal surgery.
Dr. You noted that the patient recalled the acupuncture point being above the eyebrow. Based on the retinal tear’s location, it was likely due to an excessive needle angle, leading to eye injury. She emphasized that while patients have the right to choose any treatment, they should avoid needle insertion near the eyeball during acupuncture to prevent harm.
Dr. You explained that floaters are a common eye condition caused by vitreous opacities, often due to degeneration or high myopia. Some cases may involve retinal holes, and if left untreated, severe retinal detachment can occur. She advised patients with floaters to undergo thorough retinal examinations to rule out retinal diseases and ensure early treatment, preventing vision loss.
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