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

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

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Increased Production of Tears Lacerations Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

VCOM- Carolinas Campus

Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29303, United States

About this study

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

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

age 18-45
1st- 4th year medical students, faculty and staff volunteers at specific College of Osteopathic medicine campus

Exclusion criteria

volunteers who have had ophthalmologic surgery
diagnosis of dry eye syndrome
diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disease
individuals who are greater than 45 years of age.

Treatment and study plan

sphenopalatine ganglion release

Procedure

Employs the technique of sphenopalatine ganglion release through use of manual manipulation with a gloved finger intraorally

Primary outcomes

Schirmer measurements on Participants

Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 week

Will measure tear production via the Schirmer test strips and will compare pre and post intervention

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion for Induction of Lacrimation: A Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Jun 8, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Active, Not Recruiting