Korean medicine treatment of diffuse scleratis following pterygium removal: a case report

Article information

J Korean Med. 2025;46(3):161-167

Publication date (electronic) : 2025 September 1

doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.25041

¹Department of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Dermatology, Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital

²Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital

³Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University

Correspondence to: Eun-Heui Jo, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital, 99, Garyeonsan-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54887, Republic of Korea, Tel: +82-63-270-1022, Fax: +82-63-270-1199, E-mail: freezo@wonkwang.ac.kr

Received 2025 June 17; Revised 2025 July 16; Accepted 2025 August 12.

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to report a case of diffuse scleritis improved by Korean medicine treatment.

Methods

The patient was diagnosed with diffuse scleratis following pterygium removal surgery. Considering the patient’s condition and symptoms, oral administration of Chijabyeokpi-tang and acupuncture therapy to reduce small intestine meridian heat were performed. We retrospectively analyzed changes in each observation item according to clinical progress recorded in the electronic medical record system.

Results

As a result of the treatment, congestion and severe pain in the right eye, headache, excessive tear secretion, swelling and redness around both eyes, and systemic itching after taking analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs all improved and were remitted after 73 days.

Conclusion

In cases of diffuse scleratis that does not respond well to conventional treatment, Korean medicine treatment including oral administration of Chijabyeokpi-tang and acupuncture therapy to reduce small intestine meridian heat may be another treatment intervention.

Keywords: Case Report; diffuse Scleritis; Chijabyeokpi-tang; acupuncture

Fig. 1

Timeline of clinical progress

Fig. 2

Clinical progress of diffuse scleratis

Table 1

Composition and daily dosage of Chijabyukpi-tang

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