Comparison of Aerobic Exercises Vs Orbital Massage in Patients with Dry Eyes

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of orbital massage compared to aerobics in patients with dry eye disease. Methodology: Power analysis on this study was done using G*Power sample size to give a total of 40 participants grouped into 2 separate groups of participants. Group A – aerobic exercises and Group B – orbital massaging. Patients with other ocular diseases or who had undergone recent eye surgeries, and systemic conditions that could interfere with tear production and the ability to perform the prescribed interventions were excluded. It was obtained at the baseline and after 1 week, and at the end of the 1st and 2nd months using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the Schirmer Test. Results: Both the interventions proved to be effective in improving Schirmer results and OSDI score and was maximal in aerobic exercise. However, based on the method used, the Schirmer test, it was established that overall tear production decreases with time in both group. The only statistically significant relationship was observed in the Orbital Massage group at Month 2 in case of Schirmer Test and OSDI scores. Two-sample Mann-Whitney U tests showed no significant difference between the groups for tear production and dry eye symptoms at the 2nd month, meaning both treatments are effective. Conclusion: This paper finds out that aerobic exercise and orbital massage equally improve dry eye condition after two months.