What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a poorly understood disease. Early glaucoma symptoms are not always immediately detected. In someone with Glaucoma, the optic nerve of the eye begins to lose its function. The optic nerve is the transmitter of visual images from the eye to the brain. In the early stages damage of the nerve results in loss of peripheral vision; in later stages blindness may result.  Abnormality in the circulation of the optic nerve appears to be the reason for damage to the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure is felt to be the main contributing factor, although there are patients with glaucoma who have low or normal intraocular pressure. Other factors, which make the nerve more susceptible to damage, are arteriosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. The good news is that many lifestyle changes can help improve blood circulation in the eyes, preventing glaucoma symptoms. Given below are effective treatment tips, followed by a list of homeopathic remedies to treat glaucoma.

What other treatments are available?

Diet
You should shift your diet away from meats and dairy products towards a largely vegetarian diet that includes cold water fish and eggs. There is evidence that this type of diet will help in weight reduction, reduce the risk of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, lower blood pressure, reduce the incidence of diabetes and improve blood flow to the eye.

Exercise
Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce mean intraocular pressure by 4.6 mm Hg when compared to previously sedentary glaucoma patients. This has the same result as the pressure lowering properties of glaucoma medication.

If you do not have a regular exercise program now is the time to start. You should begin slowly under your physician’s supervision. Begin with 10 to 15 minute several times a week. This should gradually be increased to 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday. The ideal exercise will increase your heart rate a small amount without producing undue fatigue.

Moderate exercise improves your cardiovascular system, helps keep off extra pounds, lowers cholesterol, reduces high blood pressure and improves retinal circulation.  Exercise also helps to improve your mental outlook and reduces stress. These factors are important in helping the body fight disease. This is probably the best thing you will do for your health!

Coffee
Coffee should be reduced or eliminated. Studies have shown that coffee can produce a 13% reduction in retinal blood flow. This is especially important in patients that have existing retinal damage and who are losing vision.

Smoking
If you smoke please do everything possible to stop. Some studies show that there is a 2.9 increase in risk in developing glaucoma in smokers. While smoking, each cigarette can raise the intraocular pressure by 5.0-mm Hg or more. Nicotine has been shown to reduce retinal blood flow by 16%. Tobacco also robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C per cigarette. Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease.  These factors produce narrowing of the retina blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.

Sunlight
UV and Blue Violet sunrays increase the risk of developing free radicals.  A good pair of sunglasses which block 100% of UVA and UVB and block at least 85% of blue violet sun rays.

Hypothyroidism
If you have glaucoma it is important to have your thyroid checked. Many cases of low-tension glaucoma have been reported related to low thyroid functioning. Hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, which results in a buildup of mucopolysaccharides throughout the body. Increase in mucopolysaccharides in the eye may block the outflow of aqueous producing elevations of intraocular pressure.

Reducing levels of Mucopolysaccharides
Proper thyroid functioning is important to prevent increase levels of mucopolysaccharides. A high fiber diet, vitamins A and C have also been shown to reduce these levels.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants may help improve outflow of fluid in the eye and lower the intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork is the drain of the eye. There have been some studies, which have shown that when the antioxidants are blocked the intraocular pressure will be increased.

Antioxidants may also protect the optic nerve by blocking oxygen free radical vasoconstriction, which may lead to ischemia. Antioxidants may also protect the optic nerve from the inflammatory affects of infection and inflammation.

Recommended antioxidant vitamins include Vitamin E, C and Beta-carotene.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 may have a protective effect on the optic nerve and prevent visual loss in glaucoma. A Japanese study showed that people who took 1500 Meg. had a much lower visual loss. It protects the myelin sheath or covering around the optic nerve.

Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is associated with systemic hypertension. It may have a role in blocking the affect of calcium, which causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels.  The use of magnesium has been shown to improve retinal circulation in some cases of retinopathy. Physical or emotional stress also causes an increase in the need for magnesium.

Chromium
Studies have shown that Chromium will lower lipid levels in the body and increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Chromium may be especially important in patients taking beta-blockers. Timoptic has been shown to increase the levels of lipids and lower the levels of HDL. All individuals who are taking Timoptic should consider supplemental Chromium.

Coleus Forskohlii
It is an extract from the Coleus, a variety of the mint plant. It has been used by Hindu practitioners for the treatment of cardiac disease, asthma and high blood pressure. It relaxes smooth muscles and produces vasodilatation of blood vessels.  It has been reported is several studies to lower the intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Forskohlii was an experiment eye drop found to reduce eye pressure. It was abandoned because the eye drops produced a milky covering over the eye. Taking the herb orally eliminates this side affect.

Homeopathy
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 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 glaucoma might each receive a different homeopathic remedy..

Homeopathy has been carefully researched and its effectiveness has been reported in the following well respected national medical journals: Jacobs J, Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medication. Pediatrics 1994; 93:719-7255, Reilly DT , Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Lancet 1986; Oct: 881-886 and Kleijnen J, Clinical Trails of Homeopathy. British Medical Journal 1991; 302: 315-323.

Homeopathy can be a very valuable adjunct in your treatment of Glaucoma.

The following products are recommended for glaucoma:

• Glaucoma Nutritional formula- 2 capsules with each meal
• Glaucoma Aid sublingual spray- 5 sprays under the tongue a day
• Glaucoma Homeopathic Formula- 1 pellet under the tongue twice a day
• These can be ordered at Nutritional Research at www.nutritionalresearch.net or call  (877) 341-2703

Read more about glaucoma symptoms.

Dr. Edward Kondrot is a board certified Ophthalmologist and is certified in classical homeopathy. He is the author of the best selling book- Healing the Eye the Natural Way: Alternative Medicine and Macular Degeneration, and Microcurrent Stimulation: Miracle Eye Cure. He is a contributing author in the Clinician’s Rapid Access Guide to Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Mosby.

Be sure to listen to Dr. Kondrot’s  weekly radio show  “Healthy Vision” which can be heard every Weds. 8:00 to 9:00 AM on Phoenix station  KFNX 1100 or on the internet at www.nabcinc.com  For more information on alternative medicine and the eye you can contact  his Phoenix office at 1-800-430-9328 or visit his web page at www.kondrot.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!

Cataracts: What are they?
Cataracts can occur due to a number of reasons. However, they can also be prevented and treated with homeopathy, herbs or surgery. There are barely any problems after cataract surgery as it is one of the most successful treatments to get rid of cataracts. Here is a look at what are cataracts, causes, prevention and treatments along with the answer to the question ‘is alternative medicine safe’

Constantinus Africanus (AD 1018), a monk and an Arabic oculist introduced the term “cataract”. He translated Arabic “suffusion” into Latin “cataracta,” meaning, “something poured underneath something, the waterfall.”  It was felt that the clouding of vision was do to a film falling like water over the eye. Cataracts are not a film but are a clouding, hardness and loss of elasticity, which occur in the human lens. Cataracts are associated with general arteriosclerotic changes, diabetes, sun exposure, trauma and poor nutrition. It is a fact of life that the longer you live the greater your likelihood of developing a cataract. Over 50% of people over the age of 60 will develop cataracts.

Cataracts: What is the cause?

Aging
As a person ages changes in the protein of the lens develop. Oxidative reactions develop which form abnormal disulfide and other covalent linkages. This causes the lens fibers to lose their transparency.

Trauma
Penetrating trauma from injury or ocular surgery usually results in rapidly progressive cataract, with lens fiber swelling, fragmentation, and opacification. Concussive injuries can infrequently cause a rupture of the lens capsule with the development of a cataract or more commonly a contusion cataract forms in the anterior or posterior cortex. These traumatic cataracts may be transitory, or they can remain if the lens fibers are damaged sufficiently.

Radiation
Ionizing radiation has a very high cataract producing affect, and the lens is its most sensitive target within the adult eye. Its damage is dose related and cumulative. The sources of electromagnetic radiation energy most important in damage to the lens are ionizing radiation (x-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons), emission of infrared or ultraviolet rays from various hot bodies, and microwave.

Heavy metal poisoning
Copper, iron and mercury poisoning can lead to the development of cataracts. Copper deposition in Wilson’s disease produces a characteristic sunflower cataract. In this inherited disease there is copper deposition in tissues, especially the liver, causing cirrhosis, and in the basal ganglia of the brain.

Metabolic disorders
Galactosemia and diabetes are two hereditary diseases, which are related to the development of cataracts. Galactosemia is an uncommon hereditary disease of the newborn producing bilateral cataracts, mental retardation and enlargement of the liver. In diabetes mellitus, the usual cataract in these patients does not differ from senile cataract but occurs 20 to 30 years earlier than in a non-diabetic.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency
Oxidative damage contributes to the decrease natural antioxidants in the lens, such as glutathione,  inositol, and ascorbic acid. Aging, diet, and other disease also play roles in deficiency of antioxidants.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Sunlight
UV and Blue Violet sunrays increase the risk of developing cataracts. There are over 951 different references to back up the claim that sun light is the primary cause of cataracts. . Studies have shown that people who spend a great deal of time outdoors are three times as likely to develop cataracts. A good pair of sunglasses which block 100% of UVA and UVB and block at least 85% of blue violet sun rays are essential to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. On sunny days a wide brim hat should also be worn.

Smoking
If you smoke please do everything possible to stop. Smoking tobacco, especially more than 20 cigarettes per day, increases the risk of cataracts by more than 2 times. The risk in ex-smokers is 50 percent higher compared to non-smokers. Each cigarette also robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C. Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease. These factors produce narrowing of the retina blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.

Alcoholic Consumption
High intake of alcohol can more than doubles the risk of developing cataracts. More than 7 drinks per week will increase the risk, while moderate use does not seem to increase the risk.

Sugar and Cataracts
Diabetics develop cataracts at an earlier age than non- diabetics do. An accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the lens can induce osmotic swelling of the lens, which will lead to the development of a cataract. A significant number of adults who develop cataracts have undiagnosed diabetes. If you have diabetes, every effort should be made to keep your blood sugar under control. There have been several studies to show that vitamin C can help reduce the level of sorbitol and reduce the incidence of cataract formation.

Vitamins and Nutrients
There have been many large-scale studies to show the effectiveness of vitamins on reducing the incidence of cataracts. A Canadian studied showed that patients over the age of 55 who consumed vitamin C and E supplements reduced their risk of developing cataracts by over 50%. A double blind study involving 30,000 patients performed at the University of Helsinki also demonstrated the beneficial effects of vitamins.

Glutathione
Loss of glutathione occurs in all forms of cataracts. Since 1912, researches have shown that reduced levels of glutathione precede the development of cataracts. With increasing age the levels of glutathione content of the human lens decreases by 4 to 14 times. Glutathione supplements are available but it is questioned weather this large molecule can pass through the digestive tract. N-acetyl-cysteine, a stable amino acid, has been shown to raise the levels of glutathione. Cysteine is found in protein rich eggs. Completely avoiding eggs may rob the body of this amino acid, which may have anti cataract properties.

Vitamin C
The lens of the human eye is bathed in a vitamin C rich aqueous solution, which is 30 times more concentrated than the human blood. It appears that this vitamin C acts as an ultraviolet filter preventing the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. With age the levels of vitamin C begin to decrease and this may contribute to the formation of the senile cataract. There are several studies, which have shown that high dosages of vitamin C (1000 mg/ day) will reverse the development of some cataracts.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin helps to make a substance called flavine adenine dinuceotide, which is necessary for the production of glutathione. High levels of glutathione have been shown to keep the human lens clear and prevent the development of cataracts. In one study, 81 percent of patients with cataracts were deficient in riboflavin.

The vitamin supplement that I recommend is a Cataract Nutritional Formula manufactured by Nutritional Research. Information can be obtained from (877) 341-2703 or www.nutritionalresearch.net

Other Herbal Treatment – Is alternative medicine safe?

Cineraria maritima (Dusty Miller)

The government of India’s Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stated that tincture of Cineraria Maritima Succus is the drug of choice, which prevents the development of cataract. The recommended therapy is 1 to 2 drops in the eye, 3 to 6 times daily.

Boericke describes that it is most effective in traumatic cases and should be instilled into the eye one drop four or five times a day for several. Clarke states that patients should be receiving specific homeopathic treatment internally at the same time.

Homeopathy and Cataracts
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.

Is homeopathy effective in the treatment of cataracts?  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 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%.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most success surgical procedures performed. It is now performed with minimal or no anesthesia and most patients have immediate recovery with no limitations in their activity. It should be considered in advanced cataracts with visual limitation if homeopathic and other non-invasive methods are not successful.

Read other users problems after cataract surgery experience .

Many people with excellent eye sight discover their vision beginning to fail in their 40’s and 50’s. It is a shock to discover that small print is impossible to read, there is never enough light and your arms are never long enough! This is where the troublesome dependency on reading glasses begins! Can you turn back the clock or at least slow the ticking? What can be done? Vision therapy

The first step is good nutrition. Colorful foods will help give us colorful vision and reduce eye strain. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables which have bright colors. These are rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids which are essential for healthy vision. Avoid foods that are toxic to your body and of course avoid alcohol and, if you have the unfortunate habit, do everything possible to stop smoking.

The second step is exercise. Dr. William Bates, a famous vision therapist, discovered that all eye disease is caused by stress around the eye. He believed that by reducing this stress dependency on glasses could be reduced or even eliminated. He developed several eye exercises to reduce stress and improve vision. For more information on the Bate’s exercises read chapter three in Healing the Eye the Natural Way.

Step three: heal your eyes from within with homeopathy. Homeopathy is a system of medicine which stimulates the body to heal itself. There are several homeopathic remedies that are useful for reducing eye strain and improving vision. One of these is Ruta which can help reduce eye strain and relieve the headaches from over worked eyes.

And finally, Step four: science to the rescue! There is a new procedure to “turn back the clock” and give you back your young reading eyes. The procedure is called Conductive Keratoplasty or CK. It is a recently approved FDA procedure. It uses no laser and no cutting is involved. How does it work? Radio frequency waves are delivered to the outer part of the eye. These waves reshape the cornea to improve reading vision. Over 14,000 procedures have been performed with an extremely high success rate. If you are over the age of 40, have had good vision all your life and now need reading glasses (and you hate them) this procedure may be just what you are looking for!

Attend a Healing the Eye and Wellness Seminar to begin to restore your eyesight and clarity of vision. These one and three day seminars focus on nutrition, homeopathy, stress reduction, meditation, the mind body connection and yoga for your eyes. Nutritional and Homeopathic evaluations along with treatments such as massage, acupuncture, microcurrent stimulation and chelation therapy will be available during the three day seminar.

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. His Healing the Eye and Wellness Centers are located in Phoenix, Arizona and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His web page is www.homeopathiceye.com and he can be reached at 800-430-9328.

The purpose of this article is to review the preliminary results from Macular Degeneration Clinics and clinical trials which are being conducted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Phoenix, Arizona.

The purpose of these trials is to scientifically compare the efficacy of several alternative methods in the treatment of macular degeneration. Three areas will be investigated: Homeopathy, Chelation and Microcurent Stimulation (MCS) These methods will be compared to a control group of patients receiving a macular degeneration vitamin and nutritional formula.  The purpose is to see if these treatments have any additional value over a nutritional supplement.  This is an ongoing study and I would like to share my preliminary results in this report.

Introduction to macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of untreatable blindness in the United States. It is estimated that over 15 million people suffer from this condition and the incidence will increase to 30 million with the aging of the baby boomers. . It commonly affects those over the age of 65 and increases with age.

Anatomy
The macula is a small area located in the central part of the retina responsible for high-resolution vision. The retina is responsible for transferring visual impulses to the optic nerve, which then takes these impulses to the occipital cortex for processing the visual impulse. There is a small area in the retina with a very high concentration of cones called the macula. This area is developed to process fine detailed vision. This area is necessary for reading and visualization of fine detail. Areas outside the macula process peripheral or outside vision.

Pathology
There are many factors related to the etiology of macular degeneration.  The most common cause is the arteriosclerotic process that takes place as we age. The macula has a very high metabolic needs compared to other areas of the body. It requires proper nutritional elements, oxygen and the elimination of waste products to function properly. Arteriosclerosis reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the macula and will cause a dysfunction in the macula and ultimately degeneration. The increase levels of antioxidants are related to the development of macular degeneration. Antioxidants lead to the breakdown of important cellular structures which are necessary for proper macular functioning.  The earliest changes are the development of drusen.  These are deposits which develop at the base of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Drusen are often accompanied by pigmentary abnormalities. This can either be hypo or hyperpigmentary changes. These changes then progess to atrophy or the dry macular degeneration or small choroidal vessels develop which result in leakage of blood or fluid. This is termed the wet macular degeneration.

Symptoms
Macular degeneration begins as a subtle change in the central vision. This can first be observed as distortion or hazy areas in the central vision. When focusing on straight vertical objects, such as a door, there may appear to be bending or waves on the edges. Many of  these early changes are detected by using an Amsler Grid. This is similar to a graph paper with vertical and horizontal lines. A patient is instructed to focus on the center of the paper and note if any of the lines are missing or distorted. The Amsler Grid is also a good method to document changes in existing macular degeneration. More advanced macular degeneration produces loss in the central vision. The vision becomes distorted gray and hazy and the patient is not able to see any detail but the peripheral vision is maintained. Macular degeneration rarely leads to complete blindness but the advanced changes will prevent a person from functioning with most activities.

Current Treatments

• Vitamin supplements
• Antioxidants, Zinc and Selenium
• Stop cigarette smoking
• Avoid ultraviolet light
• Focal Laser treatment for the wet ARMD
• Dry Assisted Photocoagulation
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Retinal Cell Transplant

Vitamin and nutritional therapy
There have been many studies to demonstrate that antioxidants and nutritional supplements may prevent and possibly reverse macular degeneration. The 1996 Multi-center Ophthalmic and Nutritional ARMD study showed that patients given a broad-spectrum antioxidant had better stabilization of their vision. This group was compared to a placebo group who lost an average of one line of vision. There are several minerals, which are important in the treatment and prevention of macular degeneration. In a study of 151 people with macular degeneration, those that took a zinc supplement had significant less visual loss than those who did not oral zinc. Selenium and vitamin E are known to function synergistically and selenium may be an important antioxidant in the treatment of ARMD. Two important carotenoids needed for the health of the retina are lutein and zeathanthin. They are needed to maintain the  macula lutea, the central area of the macula and they protect the eye against photo-induced damage. Studies show that animals deprived from this pigment develop macular degeneration. There are some studies which indicate that high consumption of these carotenoids protect the macula. (3)

Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid which is a membrane stabilizer. It is concentrated in the retina of the eye and protects against macular degeneration (4)

Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine established by Samuel Hahnemann over 200 years ago. Homeopathy differs from conventional or allopathic medicine in several ways. Homeopathy looks at all of the symptoms or the totality of the person not just the disease before selecting a treatment.  Homeopathy does not treat a disease but the person who has the disease.  A homeopath, investigating a patient with macular degeneration, would need to obtain a complete health history, inquire about the mental and emotional disposition, physical make up, likes and dislikes etc. All this information is necessary in the proper selection of the homeopathic remedy, which will treat the whole person and the macular degeneration. The most important law in homeopathy is the Law of Similars.  This law states that symptoms, which are produced in a healthy individual taking a homeopathic remedy, will cure those symptoms in a diseased state.  For example it is well known that gold salts in toxic dosages will cause arthritis. Gold salts in small dosages are used to treat arthritis. Radiation as we know can cause cancer but low dosages of radiation are often used to treat cancer.   These homeopathy symptoms are based on scientific proving of remedies.  Characteristics of each remedy are studied by observing how a healthy individual reacts when taking a homeopathic remedy.  Information is also used from toxicology studies. This information is compiled in a repertory, which is a book of proving symptoms. Homeopathy also uses small dosages of medications to gently stimulate the body to heal itself. Small dosages avoid the side effects that so many medications can have.  The goal in homeopathy is to cure the person of disease. This approach is different than allopathic medicine in which medication is given to reduce the effects of disease not cure the condition. For example hypertensive medications will lower the blood pressure to prevent damage to the body. In most cases the person will need to continue medication all his life. Homeopathic treatment seeks to restore the health of the individual so the blood pressure will be normal with no medication.

Microcurrent Stimulation
Microcurrent stimulation (MCS) is a treatment in which a weak electric current is used to stimulate the retina and the diseased macula to restore sight. Interest in the procedure developed when Sam Snead, the retired professional golfer, under went a series of MCS treatments which improved the vision in his eyes that suffered from macular degeneration.

The MCS is different than the more commonly used TENS  (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). TENS uses a higher voltage to block the nerve impulse and has wide application in pain control. It stimulates the pain suppressing nerve fibers to work against the pain carrying nerve fibers. MCS uses low voltage which to stimulate the natural healing mechanisms of the body. Robert Becker in The Body Electric, documents the relationship of electricity in life and healing.  Becker found that voltage differences develop in the body during injury and disease. An injury produces a positive charge in the area and sets up the voltage potential differences. It becomes a bio-electric battery waiting to be turned on. Studies show that the MCS facilitates the healing of the body. An article by Cheng et al (1982) studied the effect of micorcurrent on three variables necessary to the healing process; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, protein synthesis and membrane transport. His studies showed at low voltage (500 micro-amp) ATP generation in the rat skin increased almost 500% and amino acid transport was increased 30 to 40%. Microcurrent technology has been used as an effective treatment for the healing of bone fractures tendon and skin injuries.

In 1993, Dr. Merill Allen and Dr. Leland Michael published his preliminary study looking at the rate of development of ARMD in people using nutritional supplements and treated at the same time with a weak electrical current.   In 1997, Dr. John Jarding reported his results after treating 35 macular degeneration patients with a controlled microcurrent between 200 and 250 micro-amps applied to 8 points around the eye.  All 35 patients reported an improvement in there vision.

The Macular Degeneration Foundation has begun a national clinical trail to look at the effects of MCS and ARMD.

Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy uses a compound EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) which is a synthetic amino acid. It has the ability to chelate or attach itself to metals and minerals. Because of its greater attraction to heavy metals such as lead it was used in the 1940′s and 1950′s as an effective treatment for lead intoxication. It was noted that patients who were using chelation therapy for lead intoxication had improvements in their heart disease and circulatory problems. Because of this observation chelation therapy became a non-surgical method of treating the effects of arteriosclerosis. Chelation therapy has been used for more than 40 years for the treatment of arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cerebral vascular disease and in preventive medicine.  (8) The removal of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury are important because they depress enzyme functions. Besides the removal of these heavy metals, EDTA  also removes calcium from aterioscerotic vascular walls. This helps to improve the elasticity of the vessels  and increases blood  flow through these vessels. EDTA also helps maintain the health of the intracellular membranes by reducing free radical pathology.  Arteriosclerosis has been postulated as an important risk factor for ARMD. (9) It is hypothesized that based on the evidence of EDTA roll in reversing arteriosclerosis that chelation may have beneficial effects in the treatment of ARMD. Morton Walker, author of the Chelation Way, states that chelation brings back circulation and vision in macular degeneration better than any other therapy. (10)

Material and Methods
Patients are divided in to 4 groupings. A total of 400 patients will be recruited. 100 patients in each in each of the following groups.
1) Nutritional Supplements only. The product used was the Macular Degeneration Formula Manufactured by Nutritional Research, LLC.  www.nutritionalresearch.net  The author works as a consultant for this company and he also has a financial interest in the company.
2) Homeopathy and Nutritional Supplements
3) Microcurrent and Nutritional Supplements
4) Chelation and Nutritional Supplements
Requirements for admission for the study: Diagnosis of Age related macular degeneration. Best-corrected vision in one eye must be no better than 20/30 and no worse than 20/400.  Patients  must be able to complete all the testing and treatments. No previous treatment such a laser or radiation treatment.

Examinations include a base-line vision for both near and distance. This is obtqined using a hand held chart at 5 or 2 feet. Color vision and functional assessment of vision are also obtained. Testing obtained for chelation Patients only are a Chest x-ray, EKG and SMA 24.  All patients will have follow up examinations every 3 months for one year.

Preliminary Results of the study
The study is planned to continue for one year. The preliminary results are presented because of marked improvement of vision which was observed.

• Homeopathy
• MCS
• Chelation
• Discussion

References
1. Need Multicenter ARMD study
2. Newsome DA et al: Oral zinc in macular degeneration, Arch Ophthalmol  106:192-198, 1988
3. Hammond BR et al: Dietary modification of human macular pigment density, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 38:1795-1801, 1997
4. Nutritional Science News, June 1997, Vol.2, No. 6
5. Cheng, Ngok et al, The Effects of Electric Currents on ATP Generation, Protein Synthesis and Membrane Transport in Rat Skin, Clinical Orthopeadics and Related Research, Number 171, Nov-Dec 1982 Pages 264-270.
6. Allen, Merill and Michael, Leland, Journal of Molecular Biology, 3rd Quarter 1993
7. Jarding, John, TENSMAC(Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Macular) A Treatment for Macular Degeneration. 1977 Fourth Annual Symposium on Biological Closed Electrical Circuits in Biomedicine. Minneapolis, MN
8. Halstead, BW and Rozema, TC. The scientific basis of EDTA chelation therapy. TRC Publishing, Landrum, SC  1997
9. Vingerling FH and Grossman HP: Pathogenesis of disciform degeneration of the macula, Arch Ophthalmol 18:561-585, 1937
10. Walker, Morton, The Chelation Way. Avery Publishing Group, Garden City Park 1990

Center for Healing the Eye promote wellness of sight, body, mind and spirit. Dr. Kondrot’s center, located in Phoenix, treats patients who seek holistic non-invasive therapies for eye problems that include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, eyestrain and other eye disorders. Dr. Kondrot has a worldwide following because of these successful therapies, HealingTheEye.com.

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 80 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. There has been no effective treatment of this condition until recently. Several therapies are now showing great promise in slowing the progression and in many cases reversing the degeneration.

The exact cause of macular degeneration is not known. Many of the changes that develop are related to arteriosclerosis and aging of the tiny blood vessels inside the eye. Other contributing factors are increase in the levels of antioxidants, elevated levels of saturated fats and cholesterol.  Smoking more than doubles the risk of ARMD and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can increase your risk.

There are several types of macular degeneration.  The two common types described are the dry and wet types.  The dry type, or the majority of cases of ARMD, consists of degeneration of the retinal pigment cells resulting in drusen (small wart like growth) hyper and hypopigmented areas in the retina with loss of rods and cones and generalized atrophy.  The wet type or exudative type presents as vascular leakage with exudates and a detachment of the retina with loss of vision.  A small percentage of these cases can be treated successfully with the argon laser.

There is another type of macular degeneration, which occurs in the diabetic.  This results from leakage of small blood vessels, which leads to fluid accumulation under the retina and loss of central vision.

What can be done to prevent or cure ARMD?

#1 Begin a healthy diet for eye
Patients should shift their diet away from meats and dairy products towards a largely vegetarian diet that includes cold water fish (salmon and cod) and eggs.  There is evidence that this type of diet will help in weight reduction, reduce the risk of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, lower blood pressure, reduce the incidence of diabetes and improve blood flow to the eye.

# 2 Develop an exercise program
A regular exercise program improves your cardiovascular system, helps keep off extra pounds, lowers cholesterol, reduces high blood pressure and improves retinal circulation to the eye.  Exercise also helps to improve your mental outlook and reduces stress.  These factors are important in helping the body fight disease.  This is probably the best thing you will do for your health!

#3 Begin a program of meditation
Meditation is exercise for the mind. It is well known that there is a mind body connection in health and disease. Meditation will help reduce stresses that adversely affect our bodies. Studies have shown that meditation helps to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate and produces a general feeling of well being.

There are many different methods to meditate depending on one’s religious background. It can be a simple prayer, positive visualization, saying a positive affirmation or utilizing techniques to slow the breathing.

#4 Eliminate coffee, aspirin, margarine, and alcohol and stop smoking. Why?
Coffee should be reduced or eliminated. Studies have shown that coffee can produce a 13% reduction in retinal blood flow.  This is especially important in patients that have existing retinal damage and who are losing vision.

Several studies shown that there is an increase risk of bleeding into the eyes in patients with macular degeneration who take aspirin.  I advise all patients with macular degeneration to discuss this risk with their doctor. Consider alternatives such as Vitamin E and gingko biloba to reduce platelet aggregation.

Margarine interferes with the circulation and with the synthesis of gamma linolenic acid.
Avoid eating margarine, Crisco and hydrogenated fats. They are all toxic and they interfere with the synthesis of this essential fatty acid.  Gamma linolenic acid along with selenium is needed to maintain normal vasculature of the retinal vessels.

High alcohol consumption also reduces the levels of antioxidants and carotenoids. Avoid alcohol or severely limit your intake to maintain the proper levels of these important antioxidants.

If you smoke please do everything possible to stop.  There is a 6.6 times greater risks of developing macular degeneration in smokers, even former smokers have a 3.2 greater risk

#5 Protect your eyes from sunlight
UV and Blue Violet sunrays increase the risk of developing macular degeneration.  Studies have shown that people who spend a great deal of time outdoors are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration.  A good pair of sunglasses which block 100% of UVA and UVB and block at least 85% of blue violet sun rays are essential to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun.

#6 Begin a program of antioxidants and mineral supplements
The results of the Multicenter Ophthalmic and Nutritional Age Related Macular Degeneration Study in 1996 showed that AMD subjects who were given a broad spectrum antioxidant stabilized in their better functioning eyes. The subjects that used placebos (no vitamins) lost an average of one line of vision.

Selenium is a vital antioxidant, which protects the immune system, preventing the formation of free radicals.  It is especially important to combine Selenium with Vitamin E.  They act together to aid in the production of antibodies and to help maintain a healthy heart, liver and eyes.
The Archives of Ophthalmology reported a study that tested the effectiveness of Zinc in macular degeneration.  Patients who took zinc supplements showed significantly less deterioration than patients who received no Zinc.  It is now recommended that moderate dosages of Zinc may be beneficial in macular degeneration.

#7 Eat a diet rich in carotenoids.  Eat colorful foods to maintain good color vision

Carotenoids
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which make up the pigment in the macula of the eye. These pigments, which give food their color, are found in eggs, colored fruits and leafy green vegetable.  The following are good sources of carotenoids: kale, spinach, mustard greens, pumpkins, eggs, corn, orange peppers and grapes. Eggs contain the highest amount of both compounds, corn contains the most Lutein and orange peppers have the most Zeaxanthin.

They are needed to help maintain the macula lutea, the part of retina responsible for the sharpest vision. They also act as a filter to protect the eye against photo induced damage and they also protect the eye from free radicals
A recent study by the national Institutes of health found that people who ate the highest amounts of food rich in carotenoids had a 43% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.

Carotenoid Rich Vegetables
Vegetable (100 grams)              Beta- carotene*             Lutein/Zeaxanthin*
Raw carrot                                    7,900                                260
Kale                                              4,700                           21,900
Brussel sprouts                                480                             1,300
Raw spinach                                 4,100                            10,200
Corn                                                  51                                780
Broccoli                                           700                             1,900
Green peas                                       350                             1,700
Green beans                                       44                                740
Tomatoes                                         520                                100
Leaf greens                                   1,200                              1,800
Collard greens                               5,400                           16,300

*Amounts in micrograms.
Sources: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1993: 284-295.

#8 Take herbal supplements shown to strengthen your eye

Bilberry
Interest developed in this European plant, when World War II British Air Force pilots reported improved night vision after taking Bilberry.  It is now used in Europe for many eye disorders including cataract, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.  It contains anthocyanosides, which have been shown to stabilize collagen, increase intracellular vitamin C levels and decrease capillary fragility.  Studies have also shown a decrease in platelet aggregation (similar affect as aspirin) and a reduction in blood sugar.  Bilberry may improve oxygen delivery to the eye and act as an antioxidant.

Ginkgo Biloba
It is a tree that lives as long as 1000 years.  Originally found in China, it was imported into the United States in 1784.  The Ginkgo leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription medications in both Germany and France.  The primary clinical application has been in the treatment of vascular insufficiency.  Many studies have demonstrated improved circulation in patients with arterial insufficiency.  In addition to improving retinal circulation, Ginkgo also has a protective affect against free radicals.  Another study has shown that a combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Zinc may slow the progression of visual loss.

#9 Begin homeopathic treatment to improve your health
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 not only stood the test of time, but has rapidly achieved widespread acceptance in Europe, India and South America.

In Homeopathy (“homeo-” means “similar”), each of us is a total. 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 macular degeneration might receive ten different homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy has been carefully researched and its effectiveness has been reported in the following well respected national medical journals: Jacobs J, Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medication. Pediatrics 1994; 93:719-7255, Reilly DT, Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Lancet 1986; Oct: 881-886 and Kleijnen J, Clinical Trails of Homeopathy. British Medical Journal 1991; 302: 315-323.

Homeopathy can be a valuable adjunct in your treatment of Macular Degeneration

#10) Begin Chelation or MCS Therapy

Chelation therapy is an intravenous therapy using the synthetic amino acid EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) which has the ability to “bond” or “hook onto” atoms of calcium, lead, cadmium, mercury and some of the trace minerals. These minerals combined with the EDTA are eliminated from the body through the kidneys into the urine.
Chelation therapy is used for patients with heavy metal poisoning, poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis and conditions related to these primary diagnoses. The causes of macular degeneration are many but it is felt that arteriosclerosis and the formation of free radicals contribute to this disease. Chelation therapy has been documented to be helpful in both of these conditions. In arteriosclerosis, the blood vessels are damaged and then obstructed by the buildup of plaque. During and following chelation therapy, this plaque is dissolved very slowly and the blood flow throughout the body improves.

As its premier research project under the newly announced, the Macular Degeneration Foundation plans to conduct a nationwide controlled clinical trial to define the vision-enhancing value of administering what it terms Microcurrent Stimulation (MCS).
MCS is novel, non-invasive and inexpensive treatment adapted from a FDA approved therapy used to treat other disorders. In preliminary studies by the Foundation this treatment has improved both visual acuity and color perception. Foundation researchers plan to use state of the art electrophysiology tests to measure the impact of MCS on macular cells.  Individuals reporting a significant improvement in visual acuity after this therapy include legendary golfing great Sam Snead.

The Foundation’s two-year preliminary MCS trial involving 120 patients resulted in an average of:
68 percent improvement over pre-treatment vision for patients with dry macular degeneration.
58 percent improvement over pre-treatment vision for those with the wet form of macular degeneration.
Among certain subsets of patients with dry disease the results were even more dramatic, with a third gaining 100 percent or more improvement and a sixth gaining 150 percent or more improvement.
Patients were able to sustain these vision improvements over time by periodic self-administration of booster treatments and many reports that this therapy has made a remarkable difference to their lives.

What is MCS? Micro current stimulation is a novel, enhanced adaptation of an FDA approved therapy used by anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians to alleviate both acute and chronic pain caused by injuries and arthritis and by plastic surgeons to promote the healing of wounds and some transplanted tissues.

Treatment of patients with macular degeneration entails periodic administration of pulses of small amounts of square-wave direct current at low voltages, delivered through electrodes in contact with the skin overlying key nerves around the affected eye.

We know that the photosensitive receptor cells in the macula have very high-energy requirements. One possible explanation is that MCS enables more normal macular function both by improving function of the vital supporting layer of cells called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Improved RPE function would facilitate improved entry of vital nutrients into macular cells and promote active transport of potentially harmful waste byproducts of the light-sensing process out of these cells.

Dr. Edward Kondrot, MD(H),CCH is a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia in 1977. He completed his Ophthalmology training at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh and the Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia in 1981. He has practiced Homeopathy since 1990 and received his Diploma from the Hahnemann Homeopathic College in 1996. He is the author of Healing the Eye the Natural Way: Alternative Medicine and Macular Degeneration, and Microcurrent Stimulation: Miracle Eye Cure. He is a contributing author in the Clinician’s Rapid Access Guide to Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Mosby. He also revised the Eye and Vision Chapters in Synthesis, Repertorium Homeopathicum Syntheticum a leading homeopathic textbook.  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.

Edward C. Kondrot, MD, CCH

Ophthalmology in the News

  High blood pressure medications can be harmful with glaucoma patients.

  Maneli Mozaffarieh, MD and Josef Flammer, MD published a report entitled “Is there More to Glaucoma Treatment then Lowering the Intraocular pressure? In this article they stress the importance of protecting the optic nerve in glaucoma. Low pressure increases the probability of visual field loss. They even suggest methods of increasing the blood pressure to improve circulation of the nerve. (I feel that all glaucoma patients with nerve damage should reconsider taking their high blood pressure medication)  In this article vascular improvement can be improved by taking carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and magnesium. Omega -3 fatty acids and cacao beans are also beneficial due to their vasorelaxing properties

  The article reports on the benefits of antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress to improve the function of the optic nerve. Green tea, coffee, dark chocolate and red wine contains polyphenolic compounds that reduce free radicals. Yes coffee! Not only does

it have a polyphenol it also contains a selective compound that reduces peroxynitrate a free radical that damages the nerve.

  Fruits that are rich in anthocyanosides such as bilberry are a powerful antioxidant. Other helpful compounds that the authors mention are coenzyme Q10 and melatonin.

  Glaucoma Topics and Trends 2007 Issue #6

Carbohydrates in the diet are a risk factor for age related macular degeneration.

Not only are high carbohydrates associated with diabetes and diabetic maculopathy but now there is strong evidence that there is a link with macular degeneration.  The article studied a group of over 4000 patients. Those with a diet high in carbohydrates showed a much higher incidence telecharger texas holdemune r?gle du jeu de pokerpoker en ligne francaisdes r?gles jeu pokerjeux poker tourpartie de poker gratuitescomment jouer a pokerpoker online texasrent a car bulgariaworld cup of pokertelecharger jeu poker gratuitespoker en ligne ? t?l?charger gratuitementpoker multijoueur gratuitesapprendre texas holdempoker ligne gratuitespoker les regles du jeujeux seven card stud gratuitestournois de poker gratuitespoker 5 cartasstreep poker onlineplay 7 card studpoker descargajugar a poquerstrip poker flashjuegos on line pokerjuego cartas pokerpoker pagina internettorneos de poquercaribbean poker pagina webstip poker gratisstrep poker onlinejuegos pc pokerpoker descubiertocard studpai gow poker portales internetpoker online espa?olbunny pokerpoker americanopoquer pcpoker machine juegos on line,streep poker on line,poker on linepai gow pokerjuegos de polly pokercomo jugar poker texasjuegos poly pokerjugar a poker gratisnaipes para pokerplay poker texaspoker comonline poker gamepoker texascomo jugar a poker of macular degeneration. The authors conclude that 20% of the cases of macular degeneration could have been prevented with a low carbohydrate diet. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2007

Could yogurt solve allergy problems?

  Dr. Mark Abelson reports that our modern hygienic practices are related to the increase in allergies in our society.  Out cleanliness is the bane of our immune system. We need to be exposed to common allergens and pathogens to strengthen our immune system. Establishing proper intestinal flora might help with many of our allergic problems. Taking probiotics and yogurt can help change the intestinal flora to beneficial bacteria.  Hmm Patients with allergic conjunctivitis should be eating yogurt instead of taking eye drops! Ophthalmology Times August 15, 2007

For more information visit www.healingtheeye.com