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Microcurrent stimulation for the treatment of age related macular degeneration

. By Edward C. Kondrot, MD (H)

Microcurrent stimulation is an exciting development that is now being used to treat macular degeneration. Results of the initial clinical trials indicate that 70% of patients with the dry or wet form of macular degeneration will have a significant improvement of vision.

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 very high metabolic needs compared to other areas of the body. It requires proper nutritional elements, oxygen, and the elimination of waste products in order 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 increased levels of free radicals are related to the development of macular degeneration. Free radicals lead to the breakdown of important cellular structures, which are necessary for proper macular functioning. The earliest changes take place in the development of drusen. Drusen are deposits, which develop at the base of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. These are often accompanied by pigmentary abnormalities. This can either be hypo or hyperpigmentary changes. These changes then progress to atrophy or dry macular degeneration. The dry type results in a slow progressive loss of vision. In another type of ARMD, small blood vessels develop which result in leakage of blood or fluid. This is wet macular degeneration and often leads to a rapid decrease in vision. In one study 88% of severe visual loss in ARMD was seen in the wet form.

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, underwent a series of MCS treatments which improved his vision which was weakened by macular degeneration.

The MCS is different from 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 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 bioelectric battery waiting to be turned on. Studies show that the MCS facilitates the healing of the body. An article by Cheng et al (1982) delineated the effect of Microcurrent on the three variables necessary to the healing process of the cell: 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 their preliminary study on the rate of development of ARMD in people using nutritional supplements and simultaneous treatment with a weak electrical current. In 1997, Dr. John Jarding reported his results after treating thirty-five macular degeneration patients with a controlled MicroCurrent containing between 200 and 250 micro-amps applied to eight points around the eye. All thirty-five patients reported an improvement in their vision.

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

Some examples of results of MCS and macular degeneration
36 patients/ 25 with an improvement of vision / 9 no change/ 2 worse
Case examples:
J.L. who is an artist was having difficulty with her paintings due to ARMD. Her complaints were blurred vision and difficulty with distinguishing shades of color. After several MCS treatments, her vision returned to normal and she was able to distinguish the subtle shades of color.
E.S. had advanced ARMD and was unable to watch TV and drive her car. After the MCS treatment, her vision improved so she could now watch TV. She is now thinking about getting her divers license.

Microcurrent Stimulation: Miracle Eye Cure is Dr. Kondrot's latest book. To order this innovative and exciting book, or for information on Microcurrent Stimulation please call 1-800-4309328.

Dr. Kondrot's office is located at Suite 425, 5501 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015. To schedule an appointment call (602) 347-7950 or visit his web page at: www.homeopathiceye.com

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