Why Don't I Use Microcurrent Stimulation on Patients with Eye Disorders?

Lizbeth Ryan • June 23, 2025

It's popular, but you won't find it here.

Microcurrent stimulation devices are used to stimulate retinal cells, with the object of increasing blood flow to the eyes and decreasing degenerative conditions. These devices can be purchased online, but they are not FDA-approved for this use. They are approved for cosmetic use for under-eye circles, crow’s feet, etc.

There are three basic reasons why Arkansas Acupuncture Center doesn't use microcurrent stimulation on patients with macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma and other degenerative eye diseases.

I only do what patients can’t do for themselves.

Anyone can buy a microcurrent stimulation machine and use it at home.

When you travel to my clinic for help with your eyesight, I use only what you cannot do for yourself.

I use microacupuncture, a treatment that is known to help patients with these diseases. I can’t justify charging to do something for the patients that they can easily do for themselves.

MicroAcupuncture, but not microcurrent stimulation, has lasting effects

I don’t believe that the microcurrent stimulation has a lasting effect. Microcurrent seems to brighten the vision but only if the patient is using it daily.

It is fine to use this machine at home to keep vision a little clearer, and it is especially helpful to those who cannot receive acupuncture. The most important thing I do as a practitioner is listen to my patients. When a patient tells me that they only receive short term clearer vision, I believe them.

Several patients have reported developing eye problems after using the device

Several patients have told me that they actually developed eye problems after using the microcurrent device. Problems included blurry vision and in a few cases, double vision.

These patients all had significant vision loss with long term degenerative diseases, some with more than one degenerative eye disease. It can be beneficial to use this device during the early stages of a vision disorder, but not for those who have long term serious vision loss.

If you do use the device make sure you stop if you notice any negative changes in your vision.

Unlike microcurrent stimulation, MicroAcupuncture has been shown to have a lasting effect on people being treated for degenerative diseases. Contact Arkansas Acupuncture for MicroAcupuncture for vision.

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