Seeing Through Macular Degeneration

Seeing Through Macular Degeneration
There is tissue behind your retina called macula. It is responsible for centralized, detailed vision. When light enters the retina it forms a fine image on the macula.

This image transference is essential to healthy vision. Unfortunately, sometimes, especially as the body ages, the macula may become affected by macular degeneration, an eye disease that can lead to minor or significant vision loss.

There are two types of this disease: Dry and Wet.

• Dry – More common, particularly with age, which gradually deteriorates the macula layers.
• Wet – This is the result of developed blood vessels (often formed during the dry phase) that rupture, leaking blood and other fluids into the macula creating more rapid vision deterioration.

The number one cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 65 is ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration). According to the National Eye Institute, it affects about 2% of people in middle age from about 40 to 60 however those between 60 and 75 have a greater risk of developing the disease with a 30% chance to those over 75. Women are more prone to develop it and Caucasians more than African Americans. There is also some research that suggests people struggling with obesity may also be at a greater risk.

Acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can be beneficial in reducing and in some cases stopping this debilitating disease.

Fine Vision Points
Healthy vision is mainly related to the constitution of the Liver as this meridian has a branch that runs directly through the eye. In acupuncture, manipulating points along this meridian may re-direct the energy away from the cause of macular degeneration. In addition, the Kidney plays an important role as well. When Kidney Jing (the root of constitutional inheritance) is challenged, then the body is not sufficiently nourished. This causes a rise of Internal Wind which, amongst other things, affects the eyes. Although points for tonifying the Liver and Kidney are essential such as: LI3, GB37, UB18, UB23, KI6 and KI2, specialized points for quelling Internal Wind as well as nourishing blood and qi flow to the eyes is just as or more important. These points may require needling close to the eyeball such as: UB1 the crossing point of the Urinary Bladder, Small Intestine, Stomach Meridians and the Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao Vessels; ST1 just below the infraorbital ridge; or the extra point Qiu Huo just lateral to ST1. Interestingly, the above mentioned LI3 and GB37 work the Luo/Yuan channel. Luo is the connecting point of the Gall Bladder and Yuan is the source point of the Liver. These two form a unique internal/external relationship which can assist in opening and strengthening the eyes.

Chemistry of Food for the Eyes
Lutein and zeaxanthin are molecular counterparts derived from beta carotene and vitamin A. These naturally occurring carotenoids are found in the macula and have been shown to be effective protectors against degeneration. Acting as veritable macula ‘sunglasses’ these absorb and/or filter ultraviolet near blue radiation light which is considered the most damaging electromagnetic radiation able to reach the macula.

According to the AMDF (American Macular Degeneration Federation), lutein (also found in eggs) and zeaxanthin are found in these fruits and vegetables:

• Tangerines
• Oranges
• Papayas
• Peaches
• Grapefruits
• Melons
• Kale
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Turnip Greens
• Collard Greens
• Corn
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Brussel Sprouts
• Beans
• Tomatoes

In addition, individual and supplemental formulas such as the ones noted below can also help prevent or possibly heal macular degeneration:

• 500mgs Vitamin C
• 400IU’s of Vitamin E
• 15mgs of beta-carotene (a/k/a 25,000IU’s of Vitamin A)
• 80mgs of zinc oxide
• 2mgs of cupric oxide (copper)
• EyeMax and OcuGuard: popular brands of vision supplemental formulas. EyeMax currently has the highest potency although OcuGuard is increasing its varieties.

It is best to start a supplemental regiment especially when one enters the high risk zone, namely around sixty to sixty-five years old. Working with a naturopathic doctor is highly recommended given their expertise regarding proper prescribed supplemental dosage and possible contraindications with current medications. This protocol may take time, however in the long run it could become a pre-emptive or acute remedy that saves vision loss.

Homeopathy: Deep Level Energy Therapy for Macular Degeneration
The homeopathic practitioner’s job is to peel away as many layers as possible so the root cause is exposed and re-adjusted. Although there are no sufficient studies regarding the safe use of homeopathy for macular degeneration, many homeopaths offer a specific set of remedies for this disease. By assessing each individual’s full historical spectrum, a homeopath can prescribe a multi-level program starting with very subtle cell salt remedies. These are often ingested sublingually, tastelessly dissolved. Some helpful cell salts could be:

• Calc fluorica – tissue rebuilder
• Calc phosphoric – cell repair and builder
• Kali phosphoric – nutritional nerve strengthener
• Natrum muriaticum – distributes fluids which is sometimes beneficial when used for wet macular degeneration

Cell salts can sometimes have such a significant effect that further, more advanced remedies are not even needed. However, cell salts are usually an excellent pre-cursor, paving the way by opening the channel(s) to and from the macula. The next remedy is derived from other minerals as well as plants, animals, some minor synthetics or even material derived of humans. It is administered similar to cell salts, sublingually with a sweet taste as it is prepared with a milk and sugar coating.

Below are two cases as recorded by Dr. Edward Kondrot, MD(H), CCH, board certified ophthalmologist and director of The Healing Eye and Wellness Center in Arizona. These show how the use of specific intake information leads to successful homeopathy for ARMD (Age Related Macular degeneration):

1. 78 year old female

ARMD, cataracts, balance issues

Enjoys ballroom dancing but depressed she cannot compete

Diminished sex drive

Trouble reading, vision dim

Struck by sudden lapses of vertigo with ear ringing often at 7:00 am

Remedy: Sepia (recommended by A.B. Norton as the number one remedy in females with advanced cataracts)

Eight months: 70% improved vision, colors vivid, ringing gone, stronger

2. 78 year old female

ARMD, hypertension, violent anger, chest palpitations

Cloudy vision

Estranged from daughter

Remedy: Staphysagria

Seven months: improved peripheral vision in the left eye with some improvement in the right, anger receded, better relationship with daughter

Through acupuncture and naturopathic medicine macular degeneration can be managed optimally.  At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you.  In many cases, insurance covers portions of the treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health.  To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980  914.337.2980 or click here to schedule an online appointment.

*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of In-Network Insurance Companies for Acupuncture that we participate with as well as insurance companies that commonly have Out-of-Network benefits. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.