Homeopathy in the Treatment of Eye Disease
Here is the answer to what is homeopathic medicine and its efficacy in treating eye disease. Homeopathy is an empirical system of medicine established by Samuel Hahnemann who was born in Dresden, Germany in 1755. The word “homeopathy” is derived from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (suffering or disease). There is an interesting story behind why is alternative medicine so popular. Samuel Hahnemann was a chemist and physician and was also fluent in six languages. He became dissatisfied with the standard modalities of treating disease, which included bloodletting, use of toxic metals, and purgatives.
While translating “A Treatise on Materia Medica”, by Dr. William Cullen, he came across a passage describing the use of cinchona bark in the treatment of malaria. Cullen stated that cinchona was a valuable drug because of its astringent qualities. He decided to take the cinchona and observe in detail his own symptoms. To his surprise he developed a symptom complex very similar to the malaria.
This supported the law of healing described by Hypocrites called the “Law of Similars”. Drugs which produce symptoms in a healthy person will treat those symptoms in a disease state. Hahnemann then proceeded to test or “prove” many other compounds including Aconite, Belladonna and Calcarea carbonica. The symptoms were carefully recorded and were published in the “Materia Medica Pura” and “Chronic Diseases.”
Hahnemann, using his skills of critical observation, developed this system of homeopathy over many years. Additional provings based on experiments lead to a system of healing. Other provings were conducted, and these provings became the basis for inclusion in the “Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia.” The current (ninth) edition describes how more than a thousand substances are prepared for homeopathic use.
These provings became the foundation for homeopathic prescribing. Hahnemann further developed this system of Homeopathy over a course of many years and performed many additional provings. Hahnemann’s very critical observation transformed itself into a system of healing based on the following laws:
The Law of Similars
The symptoms of the patient must be matched to the proving symptoms of the remedy for the drug to act homeopathically. This is the basic and most important law in homeopathy. In selecting a remedy not only the physical particular symptoms of the disease but also mental, emotional and general symptoms must match the remedy.
The physical particulars need to be defined as accurately as possible including precise location, extension (symptoms that extend into other parts of the body), and modalities (circumstances that will cause an aggravation or amelioration of the symptoms. In addition, concomitants are also important. They are unrelated symptoms that may not be explained by the commonly understood pathophysiological process of the disease. An example of a concomitant would be a headache, which occurs during diarrhea.
Single remedy
Homeopathic remedies that are used have been tested by provings of a single remedy. Combination remedies are untested and their proving symptoms are not known. It is impossible to then match symptoms of the patient with these theoretical combinations. Hahnemann in his writings emphasized the importance of only using one remedy at a time.
He felt that the combination of remedies was dangerous, and this combination would produce a different set of symptoms that may not match those of the person. It is important to understand the action of one remedy and the response of the person to that remedy. If a person has a positive response or negative response when using combination remedies, it would not be known what remedy was responsible for the action. This would interfere with future treatment when repetition or changing of the dose is required.
Single dose
One dose will stimulate the body and create a change. It is important to let this action continue and not be disturbed by repeating the remedy. If the remedy is repeated too soon its action will interfere with the action of the first dose, resulting in an aggravation or a neutralization of its action.
Minimum dose
This is another one of the basic tenets of homeopathy. The lowest possible dose should be used to stimulate the natural healing action of the body. The homeopathic remedy is similar to an enzyme or a hormone in its action. A small amount is all that is needed to effect a change. Hahnemann taught, that additional doses of medicine would cease to be therapeutic.
The Law of dilution and succussion
Hahnemann was concerned about the side effects of many of the medications that were commonly used. Through a serious of carefully controlled experiments, Hahnemann discovered that medications could be diluted and still maintain medicinal properties. It was also noted that the dilute medications produced fewer side effects.
Hahnemann also discovered that by succussing (striking or shaking the medicated solution), an apparent activation of the substance developed which increased its healing power.
The more the medication is diluted and succussed, the stronger are the medicinal effects. There have been several experiments conducted in water physics to demonstrate that water crystals develop which can act much like an enzyme substrate reaction to transfer the characteristics of the material substance. Homeopathic remedies are commonly prescribed in the decimal potency 3X to 30X (Diluted ten fold) and centessimal potency (6C to 200C) (Diluted one hundred fold)
Laws of Cure
The homeopath, Constantine Herring, observed this phenomena. It is not enough to rid the body of symptoms of disease, but the goal is cure. Disease moves in a specific direction during cure. It moves from vital organs to less vital organs, from within to outside, from above to below, and in the reverse order of appearance.
History of Homeopathy and Ophthalmology
There is a very strong history of homeopathy used in Ophthalmology. The New York Ophthalmic Hospital was under homeopathic management from 1852 to 1867. In 1931 over 31,000 patients were treated at this institution. College of the New York Ophthalmic Hospital (1879-1939) offered postgraduate courses in Homeopathic Ophthalmology. The American Homeopathic Ophthalmology and Otology Society was founded in 1877 and the Homeopathic Eye, Ear and Throat Journal was published from 1895 to 1905)
Let’s now review two diseases, cataracts and macular degeneration, and the role of homeopathy in the treatment.
Cataracts
A. B. Norton published a retrospective Study looking at the homeopathic treatment of cataracts in 295 Patients. 100 Patients were under treatment for longer then 3 months. Results: Improvement in 58% of cases, no change in 42%, Slight decrease in 26%, Significant decrease 19%.
The best indication of success is the level of vision before treatment. Dr. Norton looked at two groups. Vision better than 15/50 the results were as follows: decided increase in 14%, slight increase in 26%, no increase in 60%. Vision worse than 15/50 the results were as follows: decided increase in 29%, slight increase in 26%, no increase in 45%. So the earlier you treat the cataract the better the results.
In regards to specific remedies, the following 3 remedies where used in 78% of all cases:
Causticum was used in 64/100 cases. Keynote symptoms are feeling of sand in the eye, sensation of pressure, heaviness of the eyelids. There is also burning and itching, desire to keep eyes closed, photophobia and flashes of light.
Calcaria phosphoricum was used in 15/100 cases. Symptoms are headaches especially of the right side and pain around the right eye. There is a tired feeling and stiffness around the eyes.
Sepia was used in 9/100 cases. Symptoms are a weak feeling in the eyes that are worse towards evening. Symptoms are better middle of the day. There are sharp pains in the eyes, heaviness of the lids and twitching of the lids. There is a strange symptom of smarting of the eyes relieved by eating.
Macular degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) affects 13 million Americans. Most of them are over the age of 65, but certain hereditary conditions may cause it to develop in younger individuals. Persons over the age of 75 have a 30% chance of developing ARMD; it rarely affects anyone younger than 55 years old. The homeopathic treatment of macular degeneration is a unique opportunity since there is no effective conventional treatment. My experiences using homeopathy in the treatment of this disorder were published in the New England Journal of Homeopathy, “Homeopathic approach in the treatment of macular degeneration”
Tissue salts
Tissue salts can also be useful in the treatment of macular degeneration. The follow salts have found to be helpful in the treatment of ARMD.
- Calcaria fluorica 8X this is often called the tissue strengthener
- Calcaria phosphorica 6X is referred to as the cell builder.
- Kalium phosphorica 6X is called the nerve nutrient
- Natrum muriaticum 6X is the fluid distributor helping with dryness or excessive moisture in any parts of the body. It can be helpful in cases of wet macular degeneration.
Carboneum sulphuratum
Carboneum Sulphuratum is a homeopathic remedy used to treat ARMD when there are symptoms of a central scotoma worse looking at red or green objects. 30C everyday has been shown to resolve drusen and pigmentary changes.
Secale
Secale is another remedy to consider in the treatment of macular degeneration. Secale is used in low potency in chilly patients with circulatory problems and hemorrhagic tendencies.
Senecula
Senecula can be used in cases of macular degeneration with the symptom of wavy vision.
Dry Eyes
Here are some common homeopathic remedies for dry eyes. Suggested dosage is a 6 or 12C twice a day. As with all homeopathic remedies you should stop the medication when symptoms improve.
ACONTINUM NAPELLUS (Acon.)
Symptoms from an exposure to a cold dry wind. Dryness, burning, sensitiveness to air. Burning in the eyes especially worse in the evening.
ARSENICUM ALBUM (Ars-a)
Burning of the margins of the lid. Feeling of sand in the eyes in the evening. Pulsating and throbbing eye pain after midnight. Light sensitivity.
BELLADONNA (Bell.) Feeling of heat in the eyes. Feeling as if the eyes are protruded. Severe throbbing pain in the eye and head, worse at night.
EUPRHASIA (Euphr.) Eyes irritated, burning with acrid and profuse tearing. Light sensitivity with intense blinking.
PULSATILLA (Puls.) Eyelids are stuck together by yellow discharge in the morning. Symptoms better in the cool open air.
MERCURIUS (Merc.) Redness of eyes with thin and acrid tearing which is worse at night. Marked light sensitivity. Symptoms similar to Euphrasia , but they are more marked and there is night time aggravation.
SULPHUR (Sulph.) Watering in the morning followed by dryness. Redness of the eyes during the day. Redness and burning of the eyelids.
ZINC- Eyelids stick together in the morning. Eyes are painful in the evening with a sensation of sand in the eyes with frequent watering. Constant burning in the eyes with a feeling of dryness. Hot scalding tears.
A formulated homeopathic product for dry eyes is Similasan Eye Drops #1. The dosage is one to two drops every hour as needed.
Computer Eye Strain
Here are some common Homeopathic remedies for eye strain:
RUTA GRAVEOLENS: Ailments from straining especially from fine work . Symptoms are worse during exertion of vision. There can be a feeling stiffness in the eye muscles.
NATRIUM MURIATICUM: There is a bruised and stiff sensation, which is worse while reading and exerting the vision. It is difficult to read and the letters can run together.
PHYSOSTIGMA: There is twitching of the muscles around the eye. There can also be difficulty focusing and irritability after using eyes. The pupils can sometimes appear very small from eyestrain.
ONOSMODIUM: There is a strained and tired feeling in eye muscles. There can also be a tense drawing pain over the eyes. This pain tends to be worse over the over left eye. Distances are difficult to judge.
References
Bellavite, P., MD and Signorini, A., Homeopathy: A Frontier in Medical Science. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic, December, 1995.
Benveniste, J.: “Further Biological Effects Induced by Ultra High Dilutions: Inhibition by a Magnetic Field,” in Ultra High Dilution, P.C. Endler and J. Schulte, (eds.), Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic, 1994, 35.
Berridge, E.W. Complete Repertory to the Homeopathic Materia Medica: Diseases of the Eye, 1873
Clarke, J.H., MD, A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica, Volume 3, B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India, 1984
Cook, Trevor M, M.S., Ph.D., C.Chem., FRSC, MHMA, President, United Kingdom Homeopathic Medical Association, Principal, Hahnemann College of Homeopathy, Director, British Institute of Homeopathy, Homeopathic Medicine Today: A modern Course of Study, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1989.
Farrington, H., MD, Homeopathy and Homeopathic Prescribing, B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India, 1993.
Kent, T. K., MD, Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica, B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India, 1986. ISBN 81-7021-002-X.
Kent, T.K., MD, Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy, North Atlantic Books, Richmond, CA, 1979.
Kunzli, J., MD, Naude’, A., and Pendelton, P., Organon of Medicine of Samuel Hahnemann, translation from German, 6th edition, J.P. Tarcher, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, 1982.
Kondrot, E C , New England Journal of Homeopathy, “Homeopathic approach in the treatment of macular degeneration” Spring/Summer 2001.
Kondrot, E C , Healing the Eye the Natural Way, North Atlantic Books, Richmond, CA, 2000.
Lo, Shui-Yin, Anomalous State of Ice, Excerpt from Modern Physics Letters B, Vol. 10, No. 19 (1996) 909-919 (c) World scientific Publishing Company.
Moffat, J. Homeopathic Therapeutics in Ophthalmology. 1916.
Norton, A. B. Ophthalmic Diseases & Therapeutics 1872.
Norton, A. B., The Homeopathic Treatment of Incipient Senile Cataract, with Tabulated Results of One Hundred Cases, North American Journal of Homeopathy 1891
O’Reilly, W.B., PhD, Organon of the Medical Art: Samuel Hahnemann, MD, Birdcage Books, Redmond, WA, 1996.
Schuessler, W. Biochemical Treatment of Disease.
Vithoulkas, G., The Science of Homeopathy, Grove Press, Inc., New York, NY 1980.
Whitmont, E.C., Psyche and Substance: Essays on Homeopathy in the Light of Jungian Psychology, North Atlantic Books, Richmond, CA, 1982.
Read what online users have to say about What is homeopathic medicine
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 two main offices are in Phoenix, Arizona and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His web page is www.homeopathiceye.com and he can be reached at 1-800-430-9328.
Listen to Dr. Kondrot’s radio show “Healthy Vision” every Monday at 11:00 AM MST on KFNX 1100 or listen on the Internet at www.nabcinc.com
For updates when I write a new post, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Also, you might enjoy my new whitepaper "10 Essentials to Improve your Eyesight!" Thanks for visiting!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Please send me your les on treatment options of wet macular degeneration. One of my family member isaffected with that so we want to understand the different treatment options available.
Thanks