TENS for Eyes – Macular Degeneration

A new study on the effect of TENS for eyes in the form of micro-current stimulation has been published in the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology in December 2015. TENS therapy for inflammation is starting to be accepted by mainstream medicine. TENS therapy is also being recognized for its benefits for circulation. TENS and PEMF therapy also offer other benefits like the promotion and support of wound healing and tissue regeneration. This study examines the effects of micro-current stimulation on age-related macular degeneration(AMD). Using plates placed over the eyes and applying micro-currents at various specific frequencies the study was aimed at working out if this form of therapy has any effect on dry and wet AMD.

TENS for Eyes – Causes of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Although the precise causes of AMD have yet to be identified, poor circulation or a decrease in circulation has been identified as a possible factor in the development of, and the progression of, age-related macular degeneration or AMD. Increasing the circulation can therefore be beneficial for those patients suffering from the condition.

Another factor that has been clearly identified as contributing factor to the condition is inflammation. TENS and PEMF are well known for their ability to reduce inflammation and they can therefore be valuable, non-invasive tools for supporting patients with macular degeneration.

TENS for Eyes – The study

Seventeen patients took part in this study. The age of the patients ranging between 67 and 95 years old. Each patient was selected based on their diagnosis of either wet or dry AMD by recognized eye clinics. 25 eyes in the study had been identified as being affected by dry AMD. 6 eyes in the study were identified as being affected by wet AMD.

Patients were given therapy once a week for thirty-five minutes using a specific range for frequencies. Each patient was monitored using Snellen Visual Acuity scales both before and after therapy.

The results of the study showed significant increases in visual acuity in both the dry and wet AMD eyes. With regards to the dry eye age-related macular degeneration, twice as many patients improved, and only slight deterioration was seen in the rest of the patients. Of these patients 52% of the patients improved with 26% showing decreased deterioration than would normally occur. In the wet eye group, five out of six eyes showed improvement and there was no deterioration.

The study concluded that the changes observed in the eyes were substantial and that further studies were warranted to determine the long term of effects of this type of treatment on AMD.

TENS for Eyes – A Non-invasive Approach

Since TENS and PEMF have relatively few adverse events and side-effects, and they are non-invasive therapies that one can use at home. These therapies may be worth trying for patients with AMD since there are few if any alternative therapies open to patients struggling with this condition at the moment.