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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Young Yi, LAc, DOM
Acupuncture and Diabetic Eye Disease
Yi’s Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic
. http://eyecure.net/

Acupuncture and Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes that can lead to poor vision or even blindness. If you believe you’re at risk for – or experiencing – a vision or eye health issue, see a doctor right away.

Often there are no early symptoms of diabetic eye disease. You may have no pain and no change in your vision as damage begins to grow inside your eyes.

When symptoms do occur, they may include blurry/frequently changing/poor color vision, dark areas/vision loss, spots/floaters, or flashes of light.

Your eyes are a reflection of your overall health.  It is this interconnection between your eyes and your health that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can tap into and utilize to treat eye and vision problems.

How Eye Disorders Are Treated With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body – most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is effective in the treatment of conditions such as back and neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and headaches. However, researchers are only beginning to understand whether acupuncture can be helpful for various other health conditions.

Oriental medicine (including acupuncture) pays close attention to the relationship between tissues and organs.  Sometimes an imbalance within the body can manifest as an eye problem, just as the health of the eyes is often a reflection of an imbalance or health problem elsewhere in the body.

When you are treated for an eye condition with acupuncture, any underlying imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms will be addressed.  The eye problems will also be treated directly by promoting circulation of Qi (life force) and blood around the eyes.

Common eye problems treated with acupuncture include:

Glaucoma

Cataracts

Chronic Dry Eyes

Macular Degeneration

Retinal Degeneration

Night Blindness

Optic Neuritis

Optic Atrophy

In addition to acupuncture, there are several things you can do each day to maintain eye health and avoid problems. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Stop smoking.  Exercise to improve overall circulation. Make a conscious effort to stop periodically to rest and blink. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Always remember to always protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV light and glare with protective lenses. And if you have diabetes, it’s essential to manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

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