Acupuncture and Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine, that although it has not been proven in a clinical trial, there are case studies of patients seeing improvement in their vision.
Keep in mind that because this procedure is not FDA approved it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance providers.
Acupuncture DefinitionIt is a traditional Chinese medical technique based on the principle that there are energetic pathways, or channels, throughout the body that influence our internal organs and other parts of our body.Energy from these pathways comes to the surface at various points on the body, identified as acupoints. Each of these points serves then as a channel or tunnel to the internal parts of our body. Extremely fine gauge needles are inserted at these acupoints, stimulating and activating the body’s natural healing abilities. Patients with wet and dry macular degeneration have used acupuncture as a treatment. Read about a study that was donewhere many patients benefits from this alternative treatment. Acupuncture Macular Degeneration StudyAn interesting study on acupuncture was done in New Mexico in 2003-2004 with of 108 patients, all diagnosed with macular degeneration by an ophthalmologist.Overall, 69% of patients improved in distant vision and 69% improved in near vision. Patients with both wet and dry forms of AMD benefited equally. √ Half of patients had subjective vision improvement √ 33% of patients gained more than 2 lines on EDTRS charts √ 20% reported lessening or disappearance of scotomas √ 7% of patients noted improved color vision The only complication was an occasional bruising and recovery was quick and easy. Questions to AskIf you are thinking about using this alternative therapy for macular degeneration here are some questions to ask the provider:* Does the provider have state licensure and credentialing? * What other treatment options for AMD are available, including use of anti-angiogenesis drugs, photodynamic therapy and thermal laser therapy? * What are the expected prognosis and risks of this procedure? * What safety protocols are in place to minimize the risks? * Does the provider follow FDA regulations for acupuncture needles, including using sterile, single-use needles? References:Medical Acupuncture; A Journal for Physicians by Physicians; Volume 16 Number 3An Acupuncture Protocol For Treatment Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Second ReportAlston C. Lundgren, MD
If you want to know more about acupuncture and macular degeneration go to: Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations You can find a lot of answers to your questions about eye care on this site. Use the searchable index and check out the research studies for your condition. Dr. Grossman answers many questions in his BLOG. In addition, Dr. Grossman will be happy to answer your questions. Just send him an EMAIL with the name of your condition in the subject line and he'll get back to you quickly. Free phone consults are also available at 845-255-8222.
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