Will a Hands on Technique Applied to the Face Increase the Tear Production in Participants

Increased Production of Tears

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Technique, tear production, sphenopalatine ganglion, sphenopalatine ganglion release

The goal of this interventional study is to learn if a hands on technique will increase tear production in patients aged 45 and younger, without a history of eye issues. The main question it aims to answer is: Will there be an increase in tear production using a specific hand on technique applied inside the mouth? Participants will have a small, sterile, piece of paper that will be placed briefly in their eye. This is done to take measurements of tear production. A doctor will then perform a hands on technique in which a gloved finger is placed in the participants' mouth to release the tension that is found. After the technique is completed, the participants' eye will be retested with the tear strip. The tear test strip will be applied twice more on the following visits at 2 days after the first session and one week after the first session

This study is designed as an experimental pilot study for proof of concept with pre- and post- test measurements taken on the same individual. We will be measuring at time points 0 (baseline), immediately after treatment (within 5 minutes), 2 day, and 1 week each with a standardized Schirmer's Test for tear production. This study is intended to gather data on around 30 individuals within the set inclusion/exclusion criteria. The proposed mechanism is that stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system via the sphenopalatine ganglion may induce increased lacrimation and provide relief (of yet unknown duration or efficacy) for patients who report sensations of dry eye

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