Board Certified Ophthalmologist | Homeopathic Physician

Stem Cells in the Treatment of Macular Degeneration and other eye disease

by Dr. Edward Kondrot on August 3, 2010

Using Stem Cells to treat macular degeneration!
There has been quite a bit of interest in the use of stem cell therapy to treat Macular Degeneration and other health problems. There has also been a lot of misinformation and controversy regarding stem cells and the sources for obtaining these cells. My interest was stimulated several months ago when Dr. Robert Rowen shared with me his father’s very positive experience in having his Macular Degeneration treated with stem cell therapy. Shortly after that, I also spoke with David Steenblock, M.D., the author of the book called Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy. This research has led me to the conclusion that stem cells certainly can be beneficial in the treatment of Macular Degeneration and that microcurrent stimulation can be an important ancillary tool in insuring the success of the stem cell transplantation. Dr. Steenblock has made great advancements in the treatment of Macular Degeneration through stem cell therapy and I am happy to announce that I will be working with him to administer stem cell therapy, for the treatment of Macular Degeneration, in my Cave Creek Office beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

With so much controversy and general misunderstanding about stem cell therapy, I feel an obligation to offer some basic information:
First, it is important to understand what a stem cell is. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to help repair and replace tissue anywhere in the body. These cells also have the potential to grow into specific body parts. Stem cells initially differentiate into three types of cells, (1) the Ectoderm (skin, neurological tissue and the eye), (2) the Mesoderm (muscle, bone and heart) and (3) the Endoderm (lining of the gut and internal organs). After that initial differentiation, these types of cells then further develop into specific types of tissue.
Next, it helps to understand how stem cells work. Stem cells are constantly at work helping the body repair itself after injury, stress and disease. One way this takes place is when hypoxic tissue (tissue with low oxygen and inflammation) attracts stem cells. The stem cells begin replicating the specific cells in that area to aid the damaged tissue in repair. For example, when you sustain a cut, stem cells play a role in helping the tissue to regenerate. Another example is a salamander that has a limb amputated; that limb has the ability to regenerate because of stem cells. In order for stem cells to work, they must be in an undifferentiated state to evolve into the specific tissue that is needed. Once stem cells develop into a specific tissue, they cannot go backwards. This is a reason why doctors are using undifferentiated stem cells; they have the greatest regenerative potential.
Finally, I would like to talk about various sources of stem cells. There are four main types of stem cells that are currently being used.
*The most common type of stem cell, and the first to be used, is called an Allogenic Stem Cell. “Allo” means “other” and these are stem cells taken from one individual’s (donor) bone marrow and then transplanted into another person (recipient). This type of transplantation was first used in the treatment of leukemia, but it was necessary to carefully match the tissue from the donor to that of the recipient in order to help prevent rejection.
*The second type is Autogenic Stem Cells. “Auto” means “self” and these stem cells are taken from the person’s own body commonly from bone marrow, blood, or fat cells. These stem cells are then treated, processed and then injected back into the same person. The goal is to have these concentrated stem cells work on repairing diseased or damaged tissue.
*The third type is Human Cord Stem Cells or HCSC. These are stem cells that are taken from an umbilical cord immediately after birth. These cells are extremely active and have a very low incidence of rejection. Unfortunately, they are only approved by the FDA for cases of leukemia and blood disorders. Patients are receiving HCSC, for the treatment of other disorders, in clinics overseas and in Mexico. Dr. Steenblock, and other specialists in this field, feel that when Autogenic Stem Cells are of poor quality this option should be considered.
*The fourth type, and the most controversial, is Embryonic Stem Cells. These are cells that are removed from an aborted fetus and currently outlawed in the United States.

There are several keys for successful stem cell therapy. Just like when a farmer plants seeds in a field, certain conditions must exist for the seeds to grow and thrive. Stem cells need a specific environment in which to regenerate. Many of these keys to success are the same ones that I have observed to improve the results of microcurrent therapy.
*Proper diet is essential! I recommend maintaining an all organic (largely raw) diet and eliminating genetically modified organisms (GMO foods), gluten, dairy, coffee and alcoholic beverages, especially during the first several weeks after stem cell therapy has been initiated.
*Patients need to reduce the toxic load in their body. Any heavy metals in the body must first be treated. Heavy metals may interfere with the replication of stem cells and therefore hamper the success of the stem cell therapy.
*Proper oxygenation is essential for cell growth. Oxygen saturation is measured in each person and if the saturation is reduced, supplemental oxygen will likely be needed.
*Any chronic infections must be eliminated. Stem cells tend to migrate to areas of inflammation and infection. Dr. Steenblock has observed that 50% of Macular Degeneration patients who do not respond well to stem cell therapy have chronic sinus infections. All patients with Macular Degeneration, interested in undergoing stem cell therapy at my office, must first undergo a CT scan of sinuses to rule out infection.

There are four methods that have been developed to administer stem cells in patients with Macular Degeneration and other diseases.
*The most commonly used method is intravenous, into the blood stream, through a catheter in the patient’s arm. This method is preferred by Dr. Steenblock and he has used it to treat about 50 patients with Macular Degeneration. Most commonly, Autogenic Stem Cells (cells from the patient receiving the stem cell therapy) or Human Cord Stem Cells (HCSC) are used for this method of administering stem cell therapy.
*The second method commonly used for administering stem cell therapy is a retrobulbar injection. A retrobulbar injection is a very common type of injection used in ophthalmology and is delivered in the area under the eye (not in the eye) near the area of the macula. This method of administering stem cell therapy is preferred by the Xcell Center in Germany. I plan to visit the Xcell Center in Germany, in September, to learn more about this technique. http://www.xcell-center.com/
*The last method being used to administer stem cell therapy, for the treatment of Macular Degeneration, is an intraocular injection directly into the eye. This is the method currently being used by retinal doctors when they inject Avastin or Lucentis into the eye for the treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration. The benefit is a higher concentration of stems cells near the macular. This method is a technique being further developed by Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company. They are working on a stem cell membrane that can be surgically implanted on the area of the Macula.

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Chelation Therapy for Macular Degeneration

by Dr. Edward Kondrot on November 24, 2009

In addition to vitamin and nutritional therapy, Homeopathy and Microcurrent therapy there is another treatment in the battle against macular degeneration- chelation therapy. Although you may not be familiar with chelation, doctors have been using it in this country since about 1950, following its development in Germany in 1938. This is a treatment normally used to treat lead poisoning and even venomous snakebites. It was found, in the early years of its use, that chelation improved the heart disease of those who underwent it for other purposes. This prompted a number of physicians to begin using it for this purpose since it is known to flush plaque and toxic metals from bloodstream. For many, many individuals it has been an alternative to heart or vascular surgery.

How is Chelation Administered?

A chelation treatment requires a visit to a doctor’s office where 3 grams of a synthetic amino acid EDTA (ethyl diamine tetra acetic acid) is infused into your veins through an IV. Chelation requires a course of treatment of several sessions per week for several weeks or months. ACAM (American College of Alternative Medicine) recommends that patients undergo 30 chelation treatments in order to obtain the optimum effect, and follow these with a maintenance dose once a month. Each session lasts two to three hours. The frequency of the treatments depends on the severity of the condition and the way that the body is handling the excretion of the minerals. During the course of treatment, the doctor will monitor the health of kidneys as well as other organs to ensure that no undue stress is placed on the body. There is almost no discomfort with chelation and the side effects, which are rare, are very minimal. Patients are instructed during this time in proper diet, stress management, and exercise regimens to support their overall recovery.

Chelation has been used very successfully to treat cardiovascular disease, diabetes, diabetic arterial disease, decreased mental functioning, intermittent claudication (leg pain on exercise), and a number of other conditions.

Chelation therapy and Macular Degeneration

macular-degeneration Chelation has also been used to reverse macular degeneration since ARMD is caused, at least in part, by the blockage in the choroid capillaries, which deliver blood to the macula.

In 1994, the Journal of the Advancement of Medicine published a case where a 59-year old woman with ARMD used nutrition along with chelation for her condition. After undergoing the recommended series of chelation, her vision improved to 20/25 in one eye and 20/20 in the other. Her central vision was greatly enhanced. One year later, her vision improvement remained.

Dr. Merrill Lipton of Belton, Texas tells a compelling story of his experience with chelation and macular degeneration.

I was injured during World War II, at the age of twenty, by an explosion above my head. Large pieces of shrapnel lodged in my head, near my ear and behind my eye. This left me with increased pressure in my right eye, which resulted in glaucoma. Several years later, the same condition developed in my left eye. It was controlled with drops. In 1991, I thought I had cataracts. It turned out to be macular degeneration. I took forty chelation treatments and maintain follow-up treatments twice a month. My vision returned to 20/20 with correction, and my high blood pressure of twenty years’ standing was cured. A few years later, I had my cataract removed, and complications resulted in increased intra occular pressure again. Back on chelation, this problem resolved to the extent that, at seventy-five years of age, I read without glasses and drive.

How Chelation Works

The word “chelation” is taken from the Greek work chele, meaning claw. This describes the way the molecules of the chelating agent grab onto the molecules of heavy metal, such as lead, iron, and copper, in the body and moves them to the kidneys, via the bloodstream, for excretion. The process of chelation also binds calcium, which is known, when it is present in cells in excessive amounts, to interfere with arterial health. Calcium is responsible for the build-up of plaque that causes blockages in the blood vessels. None of the calcium chelated and released during chelation is the calcium from bones and teeth. Chelation lowers serum ionized calcium which decreases clotting, reduces spasm and softens “hardening” of the arteries. A further benefit to overall health is that EDTA reduces the LDL cholesterol (the so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol) content in the liver and the plaque formed in the arteries.

Despite its success, scientists do not know for certain how chelation works. One theory is that it reduces free radicals, which are the harmful by-products of metabolic processes. A related theory is that since heavy metals cause an increased production of free radicals, reducing them in the body reduces the numbers of free radicals. Yet another understanding of how chelation works focuses on the relationship between calcium and magnesium as intracellular and intercellular components. As excess calcium is bound in the bloodstream, the calcium/magnesium balance is favorably affected.

Dr. Edward Kondrot is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and certified homeopathic doctor. He is the author of ???? ? ???????Healing the Eye the Natural Way: Alternative Medicine and Macular Degeneration, and Microcurrent Stimulation: Miracle Eye Cure. In addition, he is the director of the Farrington School of Homeopathy in Pittsburgh and is a core faculty member at the Desert Institute of Classical Homeopathy in Phoenix. His office is located in Cave Creek, Arizona. His web page is www.healingtheeye.com and he can be reached at 480-595-3181.

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Is Homeopathy Effective in Treatment of Cataracts?

October 21, 2009

A. B. Norton, MD reviewed his experience on this subject, which was published in North American Journal of Homeopathy. The Homeopathic Treatment of Incipient Senile Cataract, with Tabulated Results of One Hundred Cases was a convincing study to prove the validity of homeopathy.
This study looked at the homeopathic treatment of cataracts in 295 Patients. 100 [...]

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Do you Want Freedom from Reading Glasses?

October 8, 2009

FDA Approves First & Only Vision Procedure for Those Hoping for Reading Glasses Freedom
America’s Most Prevalent Eye Condition: 90 Million Have or Will Soon Develop Presbyopia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of the CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) procedure. It is the first and only FDA-approved vision technology that improves near vision in the [...]

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Natural Remedies for Eye Changes during Menopause

September 22, 2009

There are many physical changes which take place in the female body during menopause. Many of these physical changes can be unpleasant and because of our youth oriented society everyone is interested in slowing or reversing these changes. Unfortunately, menopause is an event that can not be stopped. Menopause should be embraced as an important milestone in [...]

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Peacefulness Increases Eye Health

September 18, 2009

Mindful Vision
In the book Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh describes the meditative technique of being awake and aware during every moment of our life. From eating, walking and visualizing our world, each moment holds an opportunity to work toward greater peacefulness and self-understanding. Many of us live our life avoiding the present moment, we [...]

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Biofeedback for Macular degeneration

September 2, 2009

Biofeedback for Macular degeneration? A powerful new biofeedback mechanism call MP-1 biofeedback in a recent study published in Applied Psychological Biofeedback has shown the following improvement in patients with macular degeneration!! After ten treatments of 10 minute each the following was measured:

300 % improvement in acuity
Improvement in reading speed (average of [...]

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Microcurrent Stimulation for Retinitis Pigmentosa

August 28, 2009

I have been using microcurrent stimulation in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa for the last 10 years. I have observed that many patients have expansion of their visual fields with improvement of acuity and visual function after microcurrent treatment. The results of 18 patients treated were reviewed from 2000 to 2009. 16 patients had an expansion [...]

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Improve Acuity, Reading Ability and Fixation in Patients with Macular Degeneration

August 20, 2009

There is now a powerful new biofeedback mechanism call MP-1 biofeedback for treatment of macular degeneration. A recent study published in Applied Psychological Biofeedback has shown it can improve acuity, reading ability and fixation in patients with macular degeneration!! Results were measures after ten treatments of 10 minute each!
Often I hear patients with macular degeneration [...]

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