Acupuncture has helped people with various vision problems for thousands of years. Recently there has been a surge of interest and research on the benefits acupuncture for Retinitis Pigmentosa.   

Micro Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture have already been clinically proven to be extremely beneficial  for many diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Usher's Syndrome, Rod-Cone Dystrophy and other retinal diseases. These styles of acupuncture can recover lost vision and preserve vision long term.  Unfortunately, at this point in time most eye doctors would rather let their patients go blind rather than suggest acupuncture as an alternative. 

Studies suggest that acupuncture improves blood flow to the retina, stimulates retinal nerve cells, improves cellular ATP function, helps control inflammation and promotes cellular detoxification of harmful waste.  

You can take supplements that are recommended like Vitamin A and fish oils.  However, if the micro-circulation to the eye is impaired (which is the case with most retinal conditions), taking eye supplements may have little effect.  If key nutrients cannot be delivered to the eye, then how can they benefit?  Acupuncture is one of the best ways to improve blood is flowing to the retina and ensure that the vital nutrients are getting to your eyes.

A study done a few years ago in Italy, explains how acupuncture can help with retinal nerve regeneration.   This may not reveal the entire mechanism of action, but it does show that there is a reasonable and scientific explanation as to how and why acupuncture works for retinal eye diseases.

Here is the link to the Research Report:

Effects of electroacupuncture on retinal nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa  

Of course not everyone responds to acupuncture, and we do not always see measurable improvements.  Based on clinical data, approximately 85% respond to our unique approach.  In most cases, the earlier a person starts treatment, the better the long-term prognosis and  treatment must be ongoing in order to maintain vision.  Most patients usually come 3-4 times during the first year and 1-2 times per year for ongoing maintenance.

Micro Acupuncture is not a cure for RP or any other degenerative eye disease that results.  Rather, its a highly effective "management strategy" that seems to offer the most benefit at this point in time.  For many, our unique acupuncture protocols are the only hope in recovering and preserving vision for those with RP, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.