Macular Degeneration

An acupuncture protocol for treatment of age-related macular degeneration: a second report. Lundgren, AC. Medical Acupuncture 2005;16:33-5.

Patients: 108 patients (56 women/52 men, median age 76.1 years [range 47-96 years]), thirty-two percent (32%) of eyes had wet AMD, 50% dry, and 18% were not specified.

Results:

69% of patients improved in distant vision and 69% improved in near vision

Patients with both wet and dry forms of AMD benefited equally.

50% of patients had subjective vision improvement, such as:
--- Able to see better in dim lighting or could drive better at night.
--- Straight objects no longer had wavy or distorted edges.
--- The "film over vision" or "fog" through which they viewed faces and distant objects cleared.

33% of patients gained more than 2 lines on EDTRS(Early Detection and Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Studies) charts

20% reported lessening or disappearance of scotomas

7% of patients noted improved color vision.

The only complication was an occasional ecchymosis and recovery was uneventful.

There are studies also reported that acupuncture might be beneficial for:

• Dry eyes
• Iritis
• Conjunctivitis
• Cataract and Glaucoma, early stage