Objective A network Meta-analysis based on Bayesian theory was used to evaluate efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of dry eye disease(DED)

so as to provide evidence-based research basis for clinical application. Methods Randomized controlled trials(RCT) for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of DED published from the inception of database to November 25

2020 were searched from PubMed

Embase

Cochrane Library

Web of Science

Sinomed

CNKI

Wanfang and VIP Database. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures

extracted the data. The quality of the included literature was evaluated

and network Meta-analysis was performed by using Stata14.0 and R4.0.3 software. Results A total of 71 literatures were identified

including 5 536 patients with DED

covering 11 different interventions. Network Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture+traditional Chinese medicine+artificial tears was the best treatment option in terms of the clinical effective rate

breakup time of tear film(BUT)

Schirmer I test(SIT) with surface under cumulative ranking area value. Acupuncture+traditional Chinese medicine+artificial tears was better than artificial tears in the clinical effective rate(odds ratio[OR]=12.34

95% confidence interval[CI][4.72

36.89])

BUT(mean differenc[MD]=2.76

95%CI[0.16

5.40])

SIT(MD=4.76

95%CI[1.23

8.29]). Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of DED are generally better than artificial tears

and acupuncture-moxibustion combined with other traditional Chinese medicine therapy has the best effect.