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.

To Contact us: 800-430-9328 or 480-595-3181 | info@healingtheeye.com

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

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.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in people over the age of 65. As many as 1/3 of people over 65 will develop this condition. It is a slow progressive disease that affects the central area of the retina called the macula. This is the location of the retina responsible for central vision, which gives us the greatest detail in our sight.

Laser treatment has been successful in some cases of wet macular degeneration when the hemorrhage is distant to the fovea (central part of the macular)  In many cases, laser treatment will cause a further loss of vision and will destroy healthy retinal tissue. Several alternative therapies which preserve the retina are showing great promise in slowing the progression and in many cases reversing degeneration. These therapies address the underlying problem strengthening and balancing the retinal tissue.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)

A new technique called Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) has produced a dramatic improvement in treatment outcomes of macular degeneration using microcurrent stimulation. Instead of using basic generic frequencies which have a low level affect on the diseased eye tissue we now can use frequencies specific to the retinal tissue and the pathology. The energy is driven into the area needed for tissue repair.

The roots of Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) date back to the early 1900’s from Dr. Albert Abrams, who was the first physician to use calibrated instruments capable of detecting the radiations of living tissue. Dr. Abrams concluded that all matter radiates electromagnetic energy and the characteristics of the radiation depends upon the unique molecular structure.

Modern FSM utilizes hundreds of frequencies within the range of .01 to 999 Hz with varying intensities of 20 to 600 micro amps. Each tissue in the body has an individualized frequencies for example the retina has a frequency of 95 Hz and  macula 137 Hz. Each type of pathology also has a frequency.  Hemorrhage has a frequency of 18 and edema is 14.

FSM is “frequency specific” because the frequencies of the tissue and that of the pathology are “matched” with two frequencies. For example hemorrhage in the macula the FSM treatment would use 18 Hz and 137 Hz.  This coupled frequencies then matches the exact abnormalities that are present in the damaged tissue. The desired effect is to neutralize those frequencies that are in disharmony.

Color Therapy

Color light of a specific wavelength is directed into the eye which then affects the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system.  Evidence shows that disease is caused by an imbalance in these systems. Restoring this balance can be an important step towards healing.  When the parasympathetic system is suppressed the body has a difficult time to heal disease. Healing will not take place unless there is a balance in the autonomic system. Color therapy can help. The red spectrum has been documented to stimulate the sympathetic system.  No we do not want this since most of our life takes care of this very nicely!  The color red has been associated with anger and increase heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Blue on the other hand will relax the sympathetic system and stimulate the parasympathetic. Think about how relaxing the blue ocean water and blue sky can be! A vacation to the beach can be very healing.

The 73 year old College of Syntonics has investigated specific color wave lengths and has studied the affects on eye disease. This research is on-going but data indicates that certain frequencies of blue green light can improve the vision in patients with macular degeneration and certain frequencies of green light can lower the pressures in patients with glaucoma. The key is “certain frequencies” each color can have a myriad of frequencies and the task is to identify the best frequency that resonates with the eye  Just like in the use of microcurrent the success of color therapy depends on selecting the proper frequency for the patient.

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 and Sedona, Arizona. His web page is www.healingtheeye.com and he can be reached at 602-631-4505.

This study looked 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 decreases in 19%.

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.

The best way to treat your cataracts is to be examined by an experienced homeopathic practitioner- one who will not only be interested in your cataracts but who will treat you as a person carefully studying you mental, emotional and physical state before recommending a homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathy is scientific method of therapy based on the principle of stimulating the body’s own healing processes in order to accomplish cure. The basic system was devised and verified by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, nearly 200 years ago. Homeopathy’s astounding success rates in both chronic and acute diseases has resulted in not only standing the test of time, but also rapidly achieving widespread acceptance in Europe, India and South America.

In Homeopathy (“homeo-” means “similar”), each of us is a total and complete individual, no aspect of which can be separated from any other. To be effective, any valid therapy must be based on a deep understanding of and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. In Homeopathy each patient is evaluated as a whole person- mental, emotional and physical. The prescribing remedy is based on the unique patterns found on all three levels. This means that each person is given a remedy that will stimulate his or her particular body to heal. Ten people with Cataracts might receive ten different homeopathic remedies.

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 and Sedona, Arizona. His web page is www.healingtheeye.com and he can be reached at 602-631-4505

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 millions of baby boomers with presbyopia, the age-related eye condition that sets in after age 40. NearVision CK uses radio waves to reshape the cornea and bring near vision back into focus. Minimally invasive and painless, NearVision CK is performed in less than three minutes in the doctor’s office with only eye-drop anesthesia. The procedure is laser-free and extremely safe; there is no cutting and no removal of tissue.

The Greek word for “aging eye,” presbyopia is the most prevalent eye condition in America, affecting most people after age 40 and everyone by age 51. Presbyopia causes near vision to fade with age, making it difficult to see things up-close. An estimated 90 million baby boomers either have presbyopia or will develop the condition in the next 10 years. These people struggle to read or do hobby work and must rely on magnifying reading glasses for even the most mundane of daily tasks, like checking their watch. They often own multiple pairs of reading glasses (called “readers,” “half-eyes” or “granny glasses”), which many consider a hassle and an unwelcome sign of aging.

 ”The frustration many people feel with the on-again, off-again annoyance of reading glasses cannot be overemphasized.  CK is just what baby boomers have been waiting for to help them get rid of their reading glasses and safely see like they did when they were young.”

Procedure Custom-Made For Baby Boomers
NearVision CK is the only vision procedure designed specifically for baby boomers who want a safe, minimally invasive procedure to free them of reading glasses. CK has become the fastest-growing new refractive procedure since the introduction of LASIK according to research firm Market Scope. More than 30,000 CK procedures have been performed since the FDA first approved it in 2002 for age-related farsightedness (hyperopia), a condition that differs from presbyopia in its effect on the eye’s ability to focus, but has similar symptoms.

The FDA based its approval on clinical trial data collected at the 12-month follow-up visit in which NearVision CK demonstrated effectiveness in significantly improving patients’ near vision.

• 98 percent of patients could see J5 (magazine- and newspaper-sized print) in the eye that was treated;
• 87 percent of patients could see 20/20 in the distance and also read J3 or phonebook-sized print (significantly smaller than news print).
• There were NO reported serious, sight-threatening or unanticipated safety events.

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 and Sedona, Arizona. His web page is www.healingtheeye.com and he can be reached at 602-631-4505

I admit, as a man, not having any experience with the menses or menopause, I am reluctant to write an article about menopause especially when there are so many female Homeopaths who are more qualified. As an introduction to my article I would like to present the male counterpart to menopause which is mentalpause. This is the natural inability of the male species to relate to our female counterpart. Unfortunately, it is not short lived like menopause, but persists throughout our life!

There are many eye problems which develop during the menopausal period. Most of these disorders are not directly related to  menopause but develop because of predisposition’s of the basic constitution of the person. J.C. Burnett in his book THE CHANGE OF LIFE IN WOMEN  states, not that they (the new symptoms) really begin in the individuals at the menopause- they were for the most part there before- only that at this time of life the manifestations change form. Additional factors which can bring on symptoms during this time period are aging, stress, poor nutrition and hormonal factors.

I would like to discuss these ocular problems and their homeopathic treatment. It is important to understand these problems related to the eyes:

DRY EYES

Dry eyes are a common problem in the menopausal female. There are 5 common causes of Dry Eyes:

1. Decrease in blinking. Blinking helps to spread tears across the surface of the eye and lubricate the surface. Any decrease in blinking will cause symptoms of dry eyes.
2. Aging. Tear production decreases with aging. The volume of tear production can be 60% less at age 65 than at age 18.
3. Environment. High altitudes; sunny, dry windy conditions; and the use of heaters, blowers and air conditioning increase tear evaporation and cause symptoms of dry eyes.
4. Contact lenses can dramatically increase tear evaporation. Dry eyes are the leading cause of contact lens discomfort.
5. Some medications decrease the bodies ability to produce lubricating tears. These include decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics and many other allopathic medications.

Symptoms include burning, itching, watering, dryness and redness of the eyes. These symptoms are worse late in the day. Other  common symptoms are blurred and fluctuating vision and difficulty reading.

Deficiency of vitamin A has been shown to contribute to dry eyes. The first line of treatment should be a healthy diet with fresh dark green leafy vegetables or supplemental vitamin A. I would recommend 10,000 Units of Vitamin A once  a day. Vitamin A can be toxic to the liver so be sure to consult with your health care practitioner.

Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops are the second line of treatment. They can be used as often as every hour to help reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. There are many brands of artificial tears on the market. The best are those that are preservative free. Care should be taken to avoid dry atmospheric conditions and irritants to the eye are not simple conditions that can be washed away with a few eye drops. Most of the problems I am going to discuss are reflections of deeper problems in the body. It is stated that the eyes are the windows of the soul and they also express the general physical, emotional and mental health of our person. In order to utilize the power of homeopathy we must bring together all of these aspects in order to select the correct remedy that will heal.

The most common ocular condition which presents during menopause is dry eyes. The following are rubrics in REPERTORY OF THE HOMEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA by Dr. J.T. Kent and a few homeopathic remedies which are useful in the treatment of dry eyes. Remember that the totality of symptoms should be used to select the proper homeopathic remedy.

EYE – DRYNESS

There are 96 remedies listed in SYNTHESIS REPERTORIUM HOMEOPATHICUM SYNTHETICUM BY FREDERIK SCHROYENS for dry eyes. Most of the information on each remedy for dry eyes is from Ophthalmic Diseases and Therapeutics by Norton.

• 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. Eyes are sensitive with much heat, burning and aching. Worse looking down or turning the eyes. Feeling like sand is in the eyes. Photophobia (This is a sensitivity to bright light)
• ALUMINA (Alum.)- Burning and dryness every evening. Pain in the inner canthus. (This is the middle corner of the eyelid). Dry mucous in the morning on waking. Dryness and excoriation ( superficial abrasion of the skin) in the internal canthus. Burning on waking especially on looking up. Pressure on the eye with difficulty opening them. Photophobia
• ARSENICUM ALBUM (Ars.)- Suborbital (Below the eye) pain on the left side with prickings as with needles. Pain on margins of the eyelid on moving them, as if they were dry and rubbed against the eyeball. Burning of the margins of the lid. Feeling of sand in the eyes in the evening. Burning, eyes hot, with burning sore pains in the balls and a feeling as if they had no room. Pulsative throbbing after midnight. Photophobia.
• BELLADONNA (Bell.)- Eyes dry, motion attended with a sense of dryness and stiffness to the eyes Feeling of heat in the eyes. Seems as if they were surrounded by hot vapors. Pressive pain deep in the ball. Feeling as if the eyes protruded.  Severe throbbing pain in the eye and head, worse at night.
• LYCOPODIUM (Lyc.)- Eyelids dry, with smarting pain. They cannot be opened, even on rubbing in the morning. Dryness of the eyes in the evening and at night. Severe burning and itching in the eyes. Pressive pain in the eyes, as if  dust were in them. Stitches in the eye.
• MEZEREUM (Mez.)- Jerking of muscles of the upper lid. Watering with biting in the eyes. Eyes hot and inflamed on rising in the morning. Much pressure in the eyes with a sensation of dryness, as if the conjunctiva of the lids were much inflamed. Smarting in the eyes compelling to rub them. Itching and biting (Cutting sensation as if being bit) on the margins of the lids and skin near the nose.
• NUX NOSCHATA (Nux-m.)- Blue rings around the eyes  or under the eyes. Sensation of dryness in the eyes. Reading by artificial light is difficult: the eyes would close from sleep. Sensation of fullness in the eyes.
• OPIUM (Op.)- Pupils contracted. Eyes dry and weak, with burning and a sensation as if dust were in them. Scintillations (Flickering, spark or a flash). Sensation as if the eyes were too large for the orbits. Eyes half closed, red and burning.
• PULSATILLA (Puls.)- Eyelids are agglutinated (Stuck together by secretion) in the morning. Watering in the cold open air. Dryness of the lids. Biting pain and a sensation of soreness in the inner canthus. Violent sticking in the eyelids and canthi (Outer and inner  corners  of the eyelids) in the evening. Itching, biting and burning in the lids in the evening. Dryness of the eyes and a sensation in the morning as if a foreign body were pressing in it. Pressure as from sand in the eye when reading. Pressive pain in the eyes as if there were heat in them. Burning and itching in the eyes, that provoke rubbing and scratching.
• SULPHUR (Sulph.)- Watering in the morning followed by dryness. Redness of the eyes during the day. Burning of the lids which are inflamed, red and tense on  eye movement. Smarting pains as from dryness of the margins of the lids. In the morning, on awakening, feeling of sand in the eyes, with raw pain on rubbing them. The eyes can scarcely endure the light at all in the evening. Burning of the eyes with great sensitivity to light. Severe cutting pains in the eyes. Stitches as if a knife in the eye.
• VERATRUM ALBUM (Verat.)- Full, pressing, heavy feeling in the eyes, with a slight headache. Severe shooting, suddenly stopping pain in the left eye. Pupils dilated. Photophobia and vertigo, relieved by closing eyes and resting. According to Dr. McGuire it is an important remedy related to menstrual irregularities.
• ZINC- Agglutination of the inner canthus in the morning, with a pressing sore feeling. Inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva (Mucous membrane which lines outer surface of the eyeball). Suppuration (Producing pus) in the inner canthus. Eyes are painful in the evening and at night, as from  sand, with frequent watering. Inflammation of the eyes during menses. Itching and sticking pain in the inner angles of the eyes, with cloudiness of sight. Constant burning in the eyes with a feeling of dryness. Hot scalding tears. Tickling in the eye as from dust.

Other rubrics which may be of help:

• EYE – DRYNESS – afternoon – sleep; after  MAGNESIA MURIATICA (mag-m.)
• EYE – DRYNESS – looking at bright light MANGANUM ACETICUM (Mang.)
• EYE – DRYNESS – menses, during MAGNESIA CARBONICA (mag-c.)
• EYE – DRYNESS – warm  room PULSATILLA (Puls.)
• EYE – DRYNESS – Canthi  NUX VOMICA (Nux-v.)

Remedies associated with menopause and dry eyes are: ARGENTUM NITRICUM (Arg-n.), BELLADONNA (Bell.), CROCUS SATIVA (Croc.), CYCLAMEN (Cycl.), GRAPHITES (Graph.), MANGANUM ACETICUM (Mang.), NUX MOSCHATA (Nux-m.), NUX VOMICA (Nux-v.), PULSATILL (Puls.), SANGUINARIA (Sang.), SEPIA (Sep.),  SULPHUR (Sulph.) and VERATRUM ALBUM (Verat.).

EXAMPLE CASE OF DRY EYES:

53 year old post menopause female with a chief complaint of extreme dry eyes. Feels like there is real hard sand on lower eyelid. When she goes out into the sun or watches TV. She blinks a lot and has trouble holding her eyes open. Eyes are scratchy. When she showers it does not help. Splashing water on her eyes will help for a couple seconds. Moisture drops do not do any good.

Her life has been a struggle. Her husband died and left her with 3 children. He was never around when he was alive. He was an alcoholic. She married again. He had 4 grown adult children who rejected her. She is trying to make the best of it.

She had sores on face and back. Skin doctor called them lesions. They bleed because she picked at them. They were a real deep itchy. She can’t stand sores on her body. She has to pick at them. Arthritis in the back behind her knee, there is a pain like a pressure.

Walking and muscle rub relieves the pressure. She only has this before it rains. Before a really bad storm it will bother her. Wet weather bothers her more. She likes to keep moving. There are things to be done and she will do it. She can’t understand how people can sit and not do anything.

Right now she feels bound. It is part of life. Everyone on earth has things they have to live with. They have rules and guidelines they can’t change. She believes in prayer and prays that she has peace. Late in the evening she tends to think more about her family - kids, grandkids and her husband’s health.

She is superstitious. If she spills salt she throws it over her shoulder. If she puts something on backwards she will not put it on and wear it. She sleeps fine except before storm when the barometric pressure is heavy. She rolls and tosses because her bones hurt. Her knees and the back of her legs. She is cold blooded. She does not produce a lot of heat. When she was younger the cold bothered her. She hated to get chilled.

There are many keynotes for Rhus-t. The dry eyes, the feeling that l life is a struggle, she is always tired. Restlessness. She rolls and tosses at night. She likes cold milk. Tends to worry and think about her family late in the evening. Sankaran states that the first remedy for the wife of an alcoholic is Rhus-t. Her eye symptoms, mental and emotional state greatly improved with RHUS TOXICODENDRON (Rhus-t.).

Other conditions present during the menopausal years include presbyopia and cataracts. However, these are found in both sexes during the aging process and are not directly attributable to menopause.

PRESBYOPIA – Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the ability to comfortably sustain the change of focus for clear, near vision. Between 40 and 50 years of age, humans lose this variable focus of the lens of the eye. Symptoms include blurred or uncomfortable near vision and blurred distance vision after prolonged use of near vision.

Here are some rubrics from Kent and a few homeopathic remedies. There are 15 remedies in Synthesis and here is some information regarding some of the 2nd degree remedies.

VISION – ACCOMMODATION, defective

• AGARICUS MUSCARIUS (Agar.) – Type seems to move while reading. Vision dim like looking through a veil. Twitching and spasms of the eyelids, drooping of the upper lids. Pressure and heaviness  in the eyes with sensitivity to light.
• ARGENTUM NITRICUM (Arg-n.)- Sight vanishes when reading. Obscuration of sight with anxiety. Heaviness of the eye with difficulty opening them. Pain better in the cool open air, worse in a warm room. Margins of eyelids are red and sore.
• HYDRASTIS (Hydr.)- Profuse secretion of tears and burning. Photophobia and sneezing. Flickering of vision in bright yellow light.
• NATRUM MURIATICUM  (Nat-m.)- Sudden darkness before the eyes. Objects become confused when looking at them. Letters run together. The eyes give out while reading or writing. Eyelids become red and burning especially in the evening while reading. Acrid tears which make the canthi red and sore.
• PHYSOSTIGMA (Phys.)- Drawing, twisting sensation in the eyes. Eyes sore and give pain when moved side to side. Film over the eyes and objects mix together when reading. Contraction of pupils. Spasms of accommodation.

VISION – ACCOMMODATION, defective- slow

• CONIUM (Con.)- Pressure in the eyes while reading. Burning in the eyes . Aching pain across the eyebrows and mistiness of vision. Sluggishness of accommodation. Vision good for fixed vision, but when object is put into motion there is a haze and dimness producing vertigo.
• GELSEMIUM (Gels.)- Dimness of sight and vertigo. Glimmering appearance before the eye. Objects appear double. Diplopia which can be controlled by an effort of will. Great heaviness of the eyelids. Aversion to light. Eyes tire on using for near vision.

Remedies associated with menopausal symptoms and loss of accommodation are: AGARICUS MUSCARIUS (Agar.),  ARGENTUM NITRICUM (Arg-n.) and  HYDRASTIS (Hydr.).

CATARACT

In addition to the loss of elasticity and the development of presbyopia (loss of focusing for near vision), the human lens also begins to harden and become cloudy during aging. Many people think a cataract is an actual film over the eye causing their vision to become blurry. Its actually the lens inside the eye becoming cloudy.

Studies have shown that antioxidants slow the progression of cataracts. These antioxidants  include Vitamin A, C, E , zinc and selenium. Two studies have assessed specific vitamin C or E supplement use and risk of cataract. In a case-control study conducted in Canada, 46% reduction in cataract was noted among persons who had used vitamin C supplements over the previous 5 years and a 55% reduction among those who had used vitamin E supplements. (I would suggest using 500mg of Vitamin C twice a day and 300 IU of Vitamin E twice a day. There are over 9 varieties of vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol is the best. Check with your health practitioner regarding additional information regarding dosages and administration).

Ultraviolet light have been shown to contribute and to accelerate the growth of cataracts. Those at risk should wear ultraviolet blocking sun glasses. It is important to select a quality pair of sunglasses which have both ultraviolet A and B blocking properties.

The best review article on the treatment of cataracts is The Homeopathic Treatment of Incipient Senile Cataract, with Tabulated Results of One Hundred Cases by A. B. Norton, MD published in the North American Journal of Homeopathy 1891. This was a Retrospective Study looking at the homeopathic treatment of cataracts in 295 Patients. 100 Patients were under treatment for longer than 3 months. Results: Improvement in 58% of cases.

The following 3 remedies where used in 78% of all cases: CAUSTICUM, CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA and SEPIA. SEPIA is an important remedy to consider in the menopausal female.

Burnett describes the treatment of post-climacteric cataract using a constitutional course of homeopathic treatment. Once again the totalities of symptoms are used with only one carefully selected remedy. Here are some rubrics from Kent and a few homeopathic remedies:

In Blackwood’s, Manual of Materia Medica, Choudhuris Study on Materia Medica and in Boerickes Pocket Materia Medica. Cineraria is described as being used for the treatment of cataracts and corneal opacities (Clouding of the clear front surface of the eye) as a tincture instilled in the eye 4 to 5 times a day for several months. In these reports the Tincture of Cineraria was used in an allopathic manner and not in a classical homeopathic approach.

EYE – CATARACT - There are 58 remedies listed in Synthesis. I have reviewed several of the bold type remedies and a few others that Norton mentions in his article on the Homeopathic Treatment of Cataracts.

• CALCARIA CARBONICA (Calc-c.)- Dim after getting the head cold. Only one side of objects are visible. Halo around lights. Flickering, sparks, and black dots.
• CALCARIA FLOURICA (Calc-f.)- Sensation of a hair in the eye.
• CALCARIA PHOSPHORICA (Calc-p.)- Headaches, especially of the right side, pain around the right eye and tired feeling in the right eye. Eyes feel stiff and weak. Dizziness. Rheumatic pains.
• CAUSTICUM (Caust.)-  Norton feels that this probably has the greatest value in the treatment of cataract. Feeling of sand in the eye. Sensation of pressure. Heaviness of the eyelids. Burning and itching. Desire to keep eyes closed. Photophobia. Flashes of light.
• MAGNESIA CARBONICA (Mag-c.)- Dryness, burning and dimness during menses. Eye itching after dinner
• SEPIA (Sep.)- Eyes feel weak. Worse towards evening. Better middle of the day. Sharp pains in the eyes. Heaviness of the lids. Twitching of the lids, smarting of the eyes relieved by eating. Headaches worse morning and evening.
• PHOSPHORUS (Phos.)- Especially indicated when there are colors before the vision. Black floating spots before the eye and flashes of light.
• SILICEA (Sil).- Vision indistinct and misty with flickering before the eyes. Difficulty reading and writing. Words run together.
• SULPHUR (Sulph).- Dimness of vision as from a fog with a headache. Great sensitiveness to bright daylight. Dimness of vision and weakness of both eyes, with dark spots floating before the eyes. Heaviness and aching while reading. Sensation of a veil before the eyes. Intolerance to sunlight.

Here are some peculiar rubrics and remedies:

• EYE – CATARACT – contusion (A bruise to the eye) from- ARNICA (Arn.), CONIUM (Con.)
• EYE – CATARACT – operation, after- ARNICA (Arn.), RHUS TOXICODENDRON (Rhus-t.), SENEGA Seneg.)
• EYE – CATARACT – perspiration of feet; after suppressed- SILICEA (Sil.)
• EYE – CATARACT – women, in- SEPIA Sep.).
• EYE – CATARACT – Cortical (Spokes which radiate from the center of the lens)- SULPHUR (Sulph.)
• EYE – CATARACT – dark day; can see better on a-EUPHRASIA (Euph.)

Remedies associated with menopause and cataracts are: SULPHUR (Sulph.), SEPIA (sep.), APIS  MELLIFICA (apis.), CONIUM (Con.), JABORANDI (jab.), KALIUM CARBONICUM (kali-c.), PHOSPOROUS (phos.) and PULSATILLA (Puls.)

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.HealingTheEye.com and he can be reached at 1-800-430-9328.

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 are focused on the future or the past.  Can we remember the time we were hurrying to make an appointment and passed by a friend without saying hello?

We can develop this mindful state by beginning with our vision. Many eye diseases are the result of poor vision habits. These include staring, straining and the association of a negative emotional charge. William Bates, who was an Ophthalmologist and vision therapist, taught people to be in the “now” and the present moment. Let’s look at staring which is the worst vision habit that leads to eyestrain.  There are two types of vision, central and peripheral. While it is necessary to use our central point of fixation to see detail clearly, the central point of attention needs to constantly change to a new point every second or two.  In the September 1927 “Better Eyesight” magazine Bates wrote, “Shift your glance constantly, seeing the (one point) part best and other parts (around it in the peripheral vision) less clearly. Your head and eyes are moving all day long.” Using this technique we can develop “soft vision” which means relaxed natural eyesight that is the opposite of eyestrain.

Perhaps the most detrimental poor vision habit is the projection of negative emotions with our eyesight. Anger, hatred, frustration and fears can be projected into our visual world. These emotions effect the way we see the world and they adversely affect our health and eyesight.

In homeopathy we look at the emotional, mental and physical state of each individual.  We search for the connection between the emotional state and the vision disorder. This connection enables the selection of a homeopathic remedy, which acts as a catalyst to help the body heal. The right remedy can cause a profound change in health and sight.

Be aware of all the objects in your surroundings. Note the colors, shades and textures.  Shift your focus constantly, seeing the (one-point) part best and other parts (around it in the peripheral vision) less clearly.  Avoid negative thoughts. A technique that is useful is being aware of your breath. Focus your attention on the exhaled breath while looking at your surroundings. Let go of negative thoughts and become aware of the relaxed state of “soft vision”. Let mindful vision be an important step for your better health and well being.

–

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.HealingTheEye.com and he can be reached at 1-800-430-9328.

• 300 % improvement in acuity
• Improvement in reading speed (average of 28 words/minute)
• Better fixation and focusing

http://www.healingtheeye.com/PDF/Low_vision_rehab_MP-1.pdf

Often I hear patients with macular degeneration state if only the blurred spot could be moved to the side then I could see! Well the MP-1 does exactly this. It helps your brain develop a new central focus eliminating the tendency to always focusing on the blurred spot.

The treatment begins by carefully mapping the macula to identify the preferred retinal locus (PRL) or the preferred area of fixation. This is done by exposing different levels of light to determine the lowest level of light that the retinal cells will recognize. The healthy retinal cells will recognize very dim light. It is this healthy area of the retina that MP-1 will help to develop into the new PRL. Training is begun by simple ten minute exercises that encourage the visual system and brain to begin to use this new PRL (preferred retinal locus). The original study was done once week for 10 weeks. In our Study we will be comparing two groups. The first group will have one treatment a week for 10 weeks. The second group we will accelerate the time by having patients do two treatments a day for 5 days. Out preliminary results indicate that this might be just as effective.

“I have the dry form of ARMD in my left eye had it produced a hole in my vision, severely restricting my ability to read and drive. After three MP-1 biofeedback sessions I am able to utilize a newly learned focus which greatly facilitates both these activities in terms of vision clarity, acuity and coordination. This is truly remarkable since the retina specialists I had consulted in the past led me to believe that there was no hope for such improvement.” – B. Green, Denver, CO

Do to the generosity of the Restore Vision Foundation the first ten patients enrolled in this study will have all of their fees reimbursed! (Call Lynn at 623-516-0010 to see if you qualify for this study)!

Electroacupuncture

A recent study was published from the University of Rome  using electroacupuncture in the treatment of a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa.

Lucia Pagani, Luigi Manni, Luigi Aloe. Effects of electroacupuncture on retinal nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, NGF Section, CNR-EBRI, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy  Accepted 20 March 2006 Available online 11 May 2006

Abstract
The study  revealed that daily sessions of low-frequency EA during a critical developmental stage of retinal cell degeneration cause an increase of retinal nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF high-affinity receptor expression; and increase of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness; and enhanced vascularization.

These findings suggest the possible beneficial effects of EA treatment in the development of RP-like retinal degeneration of RCS rats and that the mechanism through which EA might exerts its action on the regulation of NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and/or their receptors in retinal cells. To view the complete article

Articles on Microcurrent:

Dr. Rowen’s Second Opinion 2002

Dr. Rowen’s Second Opinion 2005

Lions Club International 2001

Scientific Articles on Microcurrent:

Townscend News Letter for Physicians 2002

Microcurrent in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa

Microcurrent reduces intraocular pressures in glaucoma

Microcurrent has a neuroprotective effect in glaucoma

Often I hear patients with macular degeneration state if only the blurred spot could be moved to the side. Then I could see! Well the  MP-1 does exactly this. It helps train your brain develop a new central focus eliminating the tendency to always focus on the blurred spot.

“I have the dry form of ARMD in my left eye had it produced a hole in my vision, severely restricting my ability to read and drive. After three MP-1 biofeedback sessions I am able to utilize a newly learned focus which greatly facilitates both these activities in terms of vision clarity, acuity and coordination. This is truly remarkable since the retina specialists I had consulted in the past led me to believe that there was no hope for such improvement.”  – B. Green, Denver, CO

Training is begun by simple ten minute exercises that encourage the visual system and  brain to begin to use this new PRL (preferred retinal focus). The original study was done once week for 10 weeks.  In our Study we will be comparing two groups . The first group will have one treatment a week for 10 weeks . The second group we will  accelerate  the time by having patients do two treatments a day for 5 days. Out preliminary results indicate that this might be just as effective. For information on the original article. Click Here

To view a video on the MP-1