Ophthalmology

Alternative therapy offers hope to patients with retinitis pigmentosa

RP is considered an incurable genetic disorder causing gradual loss of vision. It affects about 1 in 4000 people worldwide and patients are usually warned that they should prepare for eventual blindness.

A quick look at how the eyes work; The retina in the eyes contains specialised cells called rods and cones, which convert the light entering the eyes, to electrical signals. These signals travel via the optic nerve to the brain, which then interprets what we are seeing.

Initially retinitis pigmentosa (RP) affects the rods, which are responsible for distinguishing between light and dark. So the first symptoms of RP are diminishing night and peripheral vision.  Later, the cones, that help us see colour and detail, start breaking down as well. At this stage the affected person begins experiencing tunnel vision and their visual field becomes progressively smaller.

Although conventional medicine doesn’t offer much in regards to RP, traditional Chinese medicine has significantly improved the eyesight of many patients with this degenerative condition.

The treatment consists of series of acupuncture sessions and herbal medicine. Its success depends on how far the disease progressed and overall state of health of the patient.

Our goal at the Institute is to make this treatment available in Australia. While many are unfamiliar with Chinese medical practices, there is no doubt that these treatments have given hope to many people facing blindness due to RP.