AIM: To observe the effects of Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears on the clinical results and cell aging of conjunctivochalasis.

METHODS: Forty cases(80 eyes)of grade II-Ⅳ CCH with liver-kidney Yin deficiency were randomly divided into two groups: combined treatment group and artificial tears group, which were treated with Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears and simple artificial tears respectively. The international ocular surface disease index(OSDI), tear break-up time(BUT)and Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)were observed and the clinical effects were compared after 3mo treatment. For CCH patients with grade III or above, followed up for 3mo or more and willing to operate, the loose conjunctival tissue was removed and the cell aging related β-gal staining was performed on frozen sections. The results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The OSDI score(14.53±2.68), BUT 9.25±3.02s and SⅠt(8.95±3.57mm/5min)of combined treatment group were significantly better than those of artificial tears group after 3mo treatment(all P<0.05). After drug treatment, 7 cases(7 eyes)in artificial tears group and 4 cases(4 eyes)in combined treatment group of CCH patients were treated by operation. The positive rate of aging cells in combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in artificial tears group(16.00±7.84 vs 39.00±14.09, P=0.013).

CONCLUSION: Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears to treat CCH is more effective than simple artificial tears in relieving ocular symptoms, improving tear film and promoting tear secretion. Combined treatment can also reduce the cell aging in CCH, which can be used as a safe and effective treatment method in addition to surgical operation.