Better Than Artificial Tears for Dry Eyes: This Solution

Laughter Therapy Found to Be as Effective as Eye Drops for Relieving Dry Eye Symptoms

A new study has found that laughter therapy may be just as effective as eye drops in relieving the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. The research was conducted by a team at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University in China, suggesting that laughter could be a viable and cost-effective treatment for this common condition.

What is Laughter Therapy?

Laughter therapy is a therapeutic method that uses intentional laughter to help reduce physical and mental pain. While it may sound unconventional, laughter therapy has been used for a long time as an alternative treatment for pain relief, and science has shown that laughter has positive effects on hormone secretion, thereby alleviating pain and promoting overall well-being. Laughter stimulates the release of endorphins, sometimes called the "feel-good" hormones, which can reduce stress, improve immune function, and even enhance pain tolerance. Additionally, laughing helps to relax the muscles around the eyes and face, which can be beneficial for people suffering from dry eye syndrome.

The Study Design: Laughter vs. Eye Drops

The research team recruited 283 participants with dry eye syndrome (average age 29, with 74% women). They assessed the severity of dry eye in these individuals using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). The participants were then divided into two groups: 137 people in the laughter therapy group and 146 people in the eye drop group, which used 0.1% hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops. The trial ran for eight weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of each treatment.

• The laughter therapy group watched an educational video and then used a facial recognition app to laugh out loud 30 times for 5 minutes.
• The eye drop group administered eye drops four times a day.

After eight weeks, researchers re-evaluated the participants’ Ocular Surface Disease Index scores. Results showed that the laughter therapy group experienced an average decrease in OSDI score by 10.5 points, while the eye drop group experienced a decrease of 8.3 points. Higher OSDI scores indicate more severe symptoms, so a greater drop signifies better improvement in symptoms.

How Does Laughter Help With Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Factors like prolonged screen use, air pollution, aging, and hormonal changes can contribute to dry eyes. It is estimated that up to 50% of the global population may experience dry eye symptoms at some point in their lives.

One reason laughter may help alleviate dry eye symptoms is by increasing tear production and improving tear film stability. The researchers found that laughter improved several key markers of eye health, including:

• Break-up time of the tear film after blinking, which measures how quickly the tear film breaks down.
• Improved meibomian gland function, which is essential for preventing the eyes from drying out. The meibomian glands produce an oily substance that helps to maintain the tear film and reduce evaporation.
• Enhanced mental health scores, indicating that the psychological benefits of laughter (such as stress reduction) may play an indirect role in reducing dry eye symptoms.

The study reported that no side effects were observed in either group, supporting the safety of both treatments.

Why Laughter Therapy Might Be a Game Changer

According to Professor Liang Lingyi, the author of the study, these findings show that laughter therapy is "not inferior to 0.1% hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops" in treating dry eye syndrome. Laughter therapy is safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, which makes it a practical first-line treatment option for dry eyes that can easily be practiced at home.

One of the benefits of laughter therapy is that it is accessible to everyone, unlike some other treatments that may require expensive medications or procedures. There is no need for prescription or specialized equipment. Moreover, laughter also boosts immune function and reduces stress, which has broader health benefits beyond just the treatment of dry eye.

The psychological benefits of laughter, such as reducing anxiety and enhancing mood, may also indirectly contribute to alleviating dry eye symptoms. Chronic stress is known to negatively impact overall health, and stress management is crucial for maintaining proper tear production.

Supporting Evidence from Other Research

The potential benefits of laughter on overall health have been documented in numerous studies. For example:

1. Cardiovascular Benefits: A study from the University of Maryland found that laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which could contribute to improved health of all bodily tissues, including the eyes.
2. Stress Hormone Reduction: Research has shown that laughter can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Lower stress levels mean less ocular surface inflammation, which is a known contributor to dry eye syndrome.
3. Immune Function: According to a study published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, laughter may increase the activity of natural killer cells, which helps the body fight off illnesses. Improved immunity might help reduce inflammatory conditions like dry eye.

How to Practice Laughter Therapy for Eye Health

If you’re interested in trying laughter therapy, here’s how you can do it:

1. Schedule Regular Sessions: Set aside 5-10 minutes a day for laughter therapy. You can watch a funny video, practice forced laughter (which often turns into genuine laughter), or join a laughter yoga class.
2. Use Apps or Tools: There are mobile apps and websites that encourage laughter by providing funny content or interactive tools. Use these tools for guidance if you’re unsure how to begin.
3. Laugh with Others: Laughter is more contagious and enjoyable when shared with others. Spending time with friends or family members and enjoying a good laugh together can be both fun and therapeutic.

Conclusion: Laughter – A Natural and Effective Remedy for Dry Eyes

The findings from this research open up exciting possibilities for managing dry eye syndrome using laughter therapy. It is as effective as traditional treatments like eye drops, without the associated costs or side effects. Laughter therapy is not only safe but also provides mental health benefits, making it a holistic approach to eye care.

As screen time continues to increase in our daily lives, and more people experience symptoms of dry eyes, it’s essential to explore different ways to support eye health. Whether it’s through laughter or conventional treatments, taking proactive measures to care for our eyes will benefit us in the long run.

This study was recently published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), and it adds to the growing evidence that laughter truly might be the best medicine.

 

---

 

Are you looking for a service that gives you a clear overview of your health information at a glance? Struggling to find the right hospital or explain your symptoms in Korea? At Medius, our licensed doctors review your health details, provide a quick summary, and prepare a medical referral letter tailored for Korean healthcare providers. Medius also helps you understand your test results and prescriptions after a hospital visit, ensuring you have all the information you need.

https://medius.tistory.com/1

Medius: Your Personal Health Navigator for Seamless Medical Care