Reversing macular degeneration

Reversing macular degeneration

The leading cause of blindness in older adults and the most common degenerative condition affecting the retina, ARMD targets the retina’s central portion, the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision.

by Julia Busch — 

Clinical studies are showing that highly sophisticated microcurrent stimulation (MCS) devices, which emit specific, low-current bioelectrical waves, can significantly improve retinal disease in a very high percentage of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and its juvenile counterpart Stargardt’s disease (STDG).

The leading cause of blindness in older adults and the most common degenerative condition affecting the retina, ARMD targets the retina’s central portion, the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision. As the disease progresses, all retinal cells are affected, including connective tissue and blood vessels.

In later stages, decreased blood flow to, and deterioration in the structure of, the retina can cause bleeding or exudative (wet) macular degeneration. In its most advanced forms, inability to read, drive, watch TV, recognize a face, or even walk across a room without tripping results.

A genetic abnormality in the ATP-binding cassette transporter gene (ABCR) appears to be the underlying cause. The defect also links to fundus flavimaculatus (FFM), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), cone dystrophy (COD) and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). Smoking, diet, lifestyle and other eye problems can influence development, severity and how early ARMD develops.

Fortunately, there is hope for those who suffer from this disorder. MCS is improving cellular metabolism and blood flow to promote retinal healing. Of 120 patients treated in a California clinic, 100 percent of the 11 with Stargardt’s Disease and 88 percent of those with wet and 77 percent with dry ARMD showed (via visual acuity testing) improvement of greater than, or equal to, two lines in one or both eyes. Improvement in visual fields and color vision testing also was reported.

At-home, handheld, transistor radio-size units are easy to use, painless, require only a few minutes’ daily use to several times weekly, and appear remarkably safe. However, ongoing treatment is required for improvement or stabilization to continue.

Reference: “ABCR Unites What Ophthalmologists Divide,” van Driel MA, et al, Ophthalmic Genetics, 1998 Sept.; 19(3): 117-22.

Julia Busch is president of Anti-Aging Press, Inc., editor of the So Young™ anti-aging holistic newsletter and author of 10 books. 800-SO-YOUNG.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 24, Number 2, April/May 2005.