Clinical outcomes of acupuncture combined with Jieyu Huoxue Formula in optic atrophy: effects on hemorheology and retrobulbar blood flow

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with Jieyu Huoxue Formula in treating OA of the liver depression and qi stagnation type, and to assess associated changes in hemorheology and retrobulbar blood flow. METHODS: 80 patients diagnosed with liver depression and qi stagnation type OA were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 40 per group). The control group received standardized treatment with oral mecobalamin tablets, while the combined treatment group received acupuncture in conjunction with the oral administration of Jieyu Huoxue Formula. Clinical efficacy, visual acuity, hemorheological parameters, and retrobulbar blood flow were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Following treatment, 26 patients in the control group and 11 patients in the combined treatment group exhibited no significant therapeutic response. The overall efficacy rate in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group (p < 0.05). Post‐treatment, the combined treatment group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in visual acuity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant reductions in whole blood viscosity and increases in peak systolic velocity of retrobulbar blood flow were observed in combined treatment group relative to controls (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture combined with Jieyu Huoxue Formula yielded superior therapeutic outcomes in patients with liver depression and qi stagnation type OA. The combined intervention improved visual acuity, reduced whole blood viscosity, and enhanced retrobulbar blood flow, indicating a protective effect on the optic nerve.