Acupuncture treatment in Vienna for macular degeneration

Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Symptoms, Treatment Options and the Role of Eye Acupuncture

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common eye diseases affecting people over the age of 50. It damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

The macula allows us to read, recognize faces and see fine details. As AMD progresses, central vision gradually deteriorates, while peripheral vision usually remains unaffected.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration. It develops slowly as light-sensitive retinal cells gradually deteriorate. Small yellow deposits called drusen often accumulate beneath the retina and are a characteristic feature of this condition.

Vision usually declines gradually over several years.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common but generally more severe.

Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and may leak blood or fluid into the macula, causing rapid damage to central vision.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are particularly important for wet AMD.

Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of AMD is not fully understood, several factors are known to increase the risk:

• Age over 50

• Family history

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• Excessive UV exposure

• Lack of physical activity

• Unhealthy diet

Conventional Medical Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of macular degeneration.

For wet AMD, ophthalmologists commonly use anti-VEGF injections into the eye to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels and help preserve vision.

At present, there is no cure for dry AMD, although lifestyle measures and nutritional support may help slow disease progression in some patients.

What Can You Do Yourself?

Although AMD cannot usually be reversed, healthy lifestyle choices may help support long-term eye health.

Helpful measures include:

• Regular eye examinations

• Stopping smoking

• Eating a balanced diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruit and omega-3 fatty acids

• Wearing sunglasses with UV protection

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Regular physical activity

• Keeping blood pressure under good control

• Using good lighting and visual aids when reading

• Managing stress

• Learning about the condition and seeking support when needed

Eye Acupuncture and Macular Degeneration

Some patients choose eye acupuncture as a complementary treatment alongside conventional ophthalmological care.

One method is Boel Eye Acupuncture, developed by Danish acupuncturist John Boel. Unlike eye injections, the acupuncture needles are not inserted into the eye itself, but into carefully selected acupuncture points around the eyes as well as on the hands, knees and feet.

The aim of treatment is to improve circulation, support the body's natural regulatory processes and help preserve visual function.

Some patients report improvements in visual comfort or quality of life following treatment. However, scientific evidence remains limited, and individual results vary.

Acupuncture should therefore be regarded as a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for conventional ophthalmological treatment.

Regular examinations and monitoring by an ophthalmologist remain essential.

Other Conditions Treated with Eye Acupuncture

Eye acupuncture is also used by some practitioners as a complementary treatment for conditions such as:

• Dry eyes

• Retinitis pigmentosa

• Glaucoma

• Early-stage cataracts

• Age-related presbyopia

• Early myopia

• Certain inflammatory eye conditions

Treatment Schedule

Treatment usually begins with two acupuncture sessions per day, particularly during the initial phase of therapy.

Each session lasts approximately 25 minutes.

The exact treatment plan is always individualized according to the patient's condition and response to therapy.