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Thursday, July 1, 2010

Acupuncture Helps Lazy Eye Syndrome

Researchers in Hong Kong found that acupuncture is affective in helping to treat young patients with the vision problem known as lazy eye syndrome, according to an article published in the Earth Times.

"Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a condition that effects around 4 per cent of children under 6 worldwide. It occurs because the brain does not acknowledge signals from one eye and, left untreated, can cause loss of vision and depth perception."

Patients with amblyopia are usually treated with occlusion therapy, in which the patient wears a patch over the good eye, forcing the brain to further recognize and utilize the signals sent from the lazy eye. This is called occlusion therapy, and it is used in conjunction with glasses to help correct the problem.

In two different clinical  trials, it was found that acupuncture applied to points in the hand, ankle, and head five times per week helped significanly to improve the function of the lazy eye, especially when used in conjunction with traditional eye glass therapy.

In my office, I have used acupuncture for patients with eye fatigue, and have often sent home patients with exercises to perform when at home that help improve eye function. I learned these exercises from an acupuncturist who came across them once when traveling through Asia. The exercises, which stimulate acupuncture points in the face and around the eyes, help to move the "Qi" (pronounced "chee") through the area, promoting better eye and facial muscle health. 

Watch your children for signs of lazy eye. Often, it is manifest by an eye that drifts off to the side. The condition, however, is often asymptomatic and only found during eye examinations.  If you have any doubt, go to your eye doctor for an evaluation.

--
Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

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