Alternative Vision Treatments at Arkansas Acupuncture Center in Northwest Arkansas

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited eye diseases that cause degeneration of photoreceptor cells of the retina, the area in the back of the eye that contains light sensitive cells commonly called rods and cones. Many cases of RP are due to an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks the cells. Opthamologists tell their patients that there aren’t any available Retinitis Pigmentosa treatments, however our patients have experienced great improvement with MicroAcupuncture

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve, optic nerve root and retina. The increased pressure in the eye cause the capillaries to collapse, resulting in damage to the retina and subsequent vision loss. The anterior chamber in the front of the eye contains a clear fluid that flows continuously in and out of the eye, nourishing the tissues inside the chamber. 

Stargardt’s disease is early onset macular degeneration, and refers to a group of inherited eye diseases that cause light-sensitive retinal cells to deteriorate, particularly in the area of the macula. Central vision loss occurs, while peripheral vision is usually retained. Stargardt’s disease is often referred to as early onset macular degeneration, but unlike macular degeneration, Stargardt’s rarely progresses to the point where abnormal blood vessels grow through the retina. 

 The retina is composed of rods and cones, the photoreceptor cells in the back of the eye that pick up images from the retina and send them to the brain. Rod-Cone Dystrophy is a name given to a group eye conditions affecting both rods and cones. Children are born with this condition. Over time, the rods and cones stop working. Then the patient will eventually go blind.

One of the most common causes of blindness in American adults, diabetic retinopathy results from the body’s inability to properly store and use sugar. An increase in blood sugar levels causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Blood vessels behind the eyes contract, restricting circulation. Lack of proper blood flow robs the eyes of sufficient nutrients and oxygen, and blood vessels become weak. 

Angioid streaks are gray or brown lines that radiate out form the area around the optic nerve and are often seen in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, or PXE, a rare disorder of degeneration of the elastic fibers of the skin, blood vessels and back of the eyes. Tiny areas of calcification form. Angioid streaks are due to a rupture in the pigment layer of the retina. 

Floaters are small spots or clouds moving across a person’s field of vision, and are actually clumps of cells inside the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the inside of the eyeball, casting shadows across the retina. Few patients come to the Arkansas Acupuncture Center solely to be treated for Floaters. In most cases, they are at the clinic for macular degeneration or other degenerative eye diseases.

Usher’s syndrome is a condition of Retinitis Pigmentosa where the patient simultaneously experiences hearing loss. About three to six percent of children with hearing loss will also have Retinitis Pigmentosa. Acupuncture for Retinitis Pigmentosa will help repair some of the damage to help restore vision for those with Usher’s syndrome, but will not necessarily help with the hearing loss. In these cases it is especially important to be aggressive with treatment since.