There are hundreds of different eye diseases that lead to vision loss.  Degenerative eye diseases, from diabetic retinopathy to age-related macular degeneration, often have no cure while many others are treatable and even preventable. You can assist in your own eye health by following a healthy lifestyle and seeing your Ophthalmologist in conjunction with your Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.). 

Inside your eye, there is an important light-sensitive structure known as the retina that contains millions of specialized cells called rods and cones. Rod cells are responsible for peripheral and night vision, while cones are responsible for color, daytime, and central vision. These rods and cones work together inside your eye’s retina to gather visual information. They send these messages to the brain through the optic nerve. When your eye’s rods and/or cones aren’t working properly, your vision may not work properly. 

The macula is the central part of the retina that allows you to see fine details close and far. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluids that scar the macula.  According to the CDC, dry AMD accounts for 70-90 percent of all AMD cases and usually affects both eyes. Both wet and dry AMD can lead to central vision loss.

To ensure that the tissues of the retina, macula, and optic nervous system are working optimally, you need to ensure that they get the nutrients they need. Without these vital nutrients, the tissues in your eyes become weak, fragile, and will deteriorate over time. Most people don’t know that acupuncture is an excellent choice for supporting these vital structures of the eye. Compelling studies have shown that acupuncture can be especially effective for treating AMD (wet and dry) due to acupuncture’s ability to increase blood flow to the eyes. In doing so, acupuncture may help to improve and minimize symptoms, while also slowing the progression of the disease. 

Vision Recovery Program at Si Shou Acupuncture and Wellness:

• You can expect the use of MicroAcupuncture, periorbital acupuncture with electrical-stimulation, as well as other local and distal points on the body. 
• You can expect to commit to a series of 10 treatments, with vision tests before treatments commence and then after the initial series of 10 treatments. 
• Once a positive response has been confirmed, treatments will continue until maximum benefits are achieved. 

Common signs and symptoms that can be improved with acupuncture: swollen and painful eyes, blurry vision, dryness, redness, floaters, excessive tearing, blurry vision, light sensitivity, poor night vision, and headaches. 

Things you can do now to reduce eye damage: 

• Get regular eye exams, especially after age 40. Prevention and catching disease at its early stages is critical. 
• QUIT SMOKING. Smoking can quadruple a person's risk for AMD and speed vision loss by up to 25 percent. 
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. 
• Wear sunglasses, especially ones with 100% UV protection. 
• Use blue-light-blocking screen protectors on your computer and/or wear blue-light-blocking glasses.
• Adjust your blue light settings on your smart phones and/or use blue light tempered glass screen protectors.
• Reduce your screen time. 
• Increase your intake of nutrient-dense foods, as well as foods rich in antioxidants. 
• You can also supplement vitamins A, C, and E, as well as copper and zinc. 
• Regulate your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. 
• Exercise regularly.