HEALINGTHEEYETHENATURALWAY

AlternativeMedicineandMacularDegeneration

EDWARDC.KONDROT,MD

The information in this book is meant to complement standard medical care.Any unusual, sudden, or severe symptoms should be evaluated by anophthalmologist.Therecommendationsmadeinthisbook,whilegenerallysafeandnon-toxic,mayaffectpeopledifferently.Therefore it is recommended thatindividualswithseriouseyediseasebeunderthecareofaphysician.

Copyright©2012byEdwardC.Kondrot,MD

ISBN0-9672346-1-1LibraryofCongress99-06970ALLRIGHTSRESERVED

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyform,includingmechanicalandelectronic,withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor.Theexceptionisforbriefsegmentsquotedinreviews.

ThisbookisdedicatedtomysonsPhilip,Ryan,andSean.

Maytheyhaveclearvisionalltheirlives.

AcknowledgmentsWhyanotherbookdealingwithalternativemedicineandvisionproblems?Ifelttherewasaneedforabookthatgoesbeyondnutrition,vitaminandmineraltherapyforthetreatmentofmaculardegeneration.Over20yearsofpracticehaveconvincedme that there are alternative therapies that canbeofgreatvalue in thetreatmentofthisdisablingcondition.Iwanttosharewiththereaderimportantinformationregardingvisiontherapy,homeopathy,ChelationandMicrocurrentStimulation thatcanchange the lifeandsightofmanypeople.

Ithankmyparentswhohavealwaysencouragedmetoquestionandtoexplorenewideas.

Ialsowant to thank themanyophthalmologistswhohavehelpedme inmy traditional training:ChandraReshmi,HaroldScheie,RichardStoutandLauraPallan.

Iwouldalsoliketothankthoseophthalmologistswhoarealsoincorporatingalternativemedicineintheirpractices:DahliaHirsch,HaroldByer,GeorgeKhouriandDebraBanker.

I am a grateful to all of my homeopathic teachers: Bill Gray, Karl Robinson, Roger Morrison, NancyHerrick, Jonathan Shore, Ananda Zaran, Jayesh Shah, Rajan Sankaran and A. U. Ramakrishnan. ToddRowe,BillMann, and FrannieBerez,my homeopathic friends, have helpedme inmanyways over theyears.Mygratitudetothem.

IwouldalsoliketothankthosepeopleinvolvedwithMicrocurrentStimulationinparticularJoelRosenandDamonMiller.

Those who deepened my understanding of vision therapy have been a major part of my professionaldevelopment:MeirSchneider,GraceHallaronandPeterMansfield.

Iwould like to thank thosewhoworked on themanuscript:ChristineKondrot, Laura Pallan andKarenLurix. Bill Coors, Dahlia Hirsch, Roger Morrison, and Eileen Nauman provided much neededencouragementbyreviewingtheentiremanuscriptpriortopublication.InadditionIwouldliketothankmysecretaryCathieYoungansforherability tokeepmeorganized.AndtoJoanneLew,forher illustrations,myappreciation.

Iextendthedeepest thankstoGloriaStJohnforhermajorcontributioninproducingthisbook.Hervastunderstandingofnaturalmedicinecontributedenormouslytothefinalshapeofthiswork.

LastIwouldliketothankallmypatientsforlettingmebeapartnerinhelpingthemimprovetheireyesight.

EdwardKondrot,MD

ContentsForewordbyBillCoorsForewordbyDahliaHirsch,MDIntroductionStepOne:UnderstandyourCondition

Youwillnotloseallyoursight!WhodevelopsAge-RelatedMacularDegeneration?WhatcausesARMD?Whatisdegeneration?KnowyourspecificdiagnosisSymptomsofmaculardegenerationThereishopeHealyoureyes,healyourselfChecklistforStepOne

StepTwo:FeastyourEyesFoodasmedicineAddinordertosubtractFarmers’marketsHealthfoodstoresWhyorganic?ChangelikethetortoiseWhattoaddDigestionChecklistforStepTwo

StepThree:ExerciseWhyexercise?Whatisaerobic?TypesofexerciseWheretoexerciseThetrampolineMusicYogaWaterworkoutsOrientalformsofexerciseSynergyCheckListforStepThree

StepFour:CopewithStressYoucanchooseyourresponseBalanceisthegoalCreatingemotionaldistanceWhatisstress?PhysicalcomponentsofthestressresponseHowstressmakesyousickStressandeyediseaseTherelaxationresponseSixwaystorelaxHealingtheeyeevokingrelaxationinsteadofstressChecklistforStepFour

StepFive:ExerciseandRelaxyourEyesHoweyedoctorscanharmyouThedifferencebetweeneyesightandvision

AldousHuxleymeetsDr.BatesExerciseandrelaxyoureyesvisiontherapyTheBatesexercisesandARMDEyerelaxationandfocusingexercisesPalmingQuickPalmingSwingingExerciseandrelaxyoureyessunningSlowandrapidblinkingAcupressureMassageyourwholeheadWhattoExpectChecklistforStepFive

StepSix:FeedyourMaculaforBetterSightEatcolorfulfoodstoenhanceyoureyepigmentTwotypesofpigmentResearchonluteinandzeaxanthinAgreendietLeafygreensruleDetoxifySupplementwithluteinChecklistforStepSix

StepSeven:SupplementyourDietDoyouneedsupplements?SupplementdosageAnti-oxidantsandfreeradicalsVitaminsVitaminABeta-caroteneVitaminCVitaminEMineralsChromiumSeleniumChromiumHowtogetallyourvitaminsandmineralsMacularDegenerationNutritionalFormulaChecklistforStepSeven

StepEight:ThreeImportantHerbsforyourVisionWhatareherbs?HowtotakeherbsBilberryGinkgobilobaEyebrightThreeherbsforyourvision:thepowerofherbsChecklistforStepEight

StepNine:ChelationTherapy–ImproveCirculationtoYourEyeChelationtherapyHowischelationadministered?HowchelationworksFindingadoctorforchelationChecklistforStepNine

StepTen:Homeopathy:HealfromWithinWhatishomeopathy?HomeopathicremediesHowdoremedieswork?ThepowerofhomeopathyTheoriginofhomeopathyChoosingahomeopathAhomeopathicconsultationHomeopathyandARMDChecklistforStepTen

StepEleven:MicrocurrentStimulation–WakeupyourEyesHowdoesMicrocurrentStimulationwork?ThebodyelectricTreatmentprotocolResearchIsMicrocurrentStimulationforyou?ChecklistforStepEleven

StepTwelve:PutitallTogether–90DaystoBetterVisionThefirstmonthReshapeYourEatingHabitsThesecondmonthThethirdmonth

TwelveStepstoBetterVisionResourcesAbouttheAuthorDr.Kondrot’sExclusiveProgramstoimproveyoursight

3DayinOfficeFastTracktobeginMicrocurrent

Foreword by William Coors, President, CoorsBrewingThesceneisanophthalmologist’soffice.Thedoctoristalkingtoapatient.“Youhaveage-relatedmaculardegeneration.WecallitARMD.Itistheleadingcauseofblindnessinolderpeople.Wehavenotreatmentforit.Comebackandseemeinthreemonths.”Thepatientwonderstohimself,“Why?”Thisdepressingnewsisgiven to thousandsofpeopleeachyear–peoplewhovisited theeyedoctorbecauseofrecentchangestheynoticedintheirvision.

I, too, heard these fateful words fifteen years ago. They were similar to thewords I heard from my internist at Mayo Clinic some fifty years ago. Myailmentat that timewasanextremecaseof‘executiveburnout’whichwasnotrecognizedbymedicalorthodoxyof that time.Myinternist’smessagehad twoparts.“Wehavegoodnewsandbadnewsforyou.Thegoodnewsiswecanfindnothingwrongwithyou.Thebadnewsiswecandonothingforyou.”

Messagesliketheseleavepeoplewithtwochoices–retiretoacavefortherestofyour lifeor seekhelpelsewhere.Choosing the secondalternative leadsoneinto the vast and complex field of alternative (or what many now callcomplementary)medicine.Forme,thiswasalongandfrustratingjourney,butitsolvedmyproblems.

It was only natural to pursue the same course when I received my ARMDdiagnosis.Anywayyousliceit,agingitselfisadegenerativeprocessthatgetsusallintheend.Andtheendwillcomewhenthefirstessentialbodypartwearsoutbeyondrepair.ARMDisnothingmore,orless,thantheacceleratedagingofanalmostessentialbodypart–themacula.

Thehumanbodyisaremarkableaggregationofbillionsofindividualcells,eachoneessentialtothewell-beingofthewhole.Eachcellrequiresaconstantsupplyof nutrients, some highly specialized, to function properly. In addition, theremustbeaneffectivedistributionsystemtocarrythenutrientstoeverycell.Thecellsthatcomprisetheconesandrodsofthemaculaarenoexception.Failuretoprovide the body with all its essential nutrients, or any impairment in thedeliverysystemtothecellscausesdegenerationoftheaffectedcells.

Equallyimportantisthefactthatthehumanbodypossessestheabilitytorepairitself provided it receives the tools andmaterials necessary for the repair job.Oneessentialtoolismentalattitude.Wehearmuchaboutthehealingpowerof

prayerandthemind/bodyeffectthesedays.Theplaceboeffectisanexampleofthemind’sencouragingthebodytoheal.Anddeathbyvoodooprovesthat themindcandestroythebodyaswell.

In my fifteen year battle with ARMD, I have concentrated on cardiovascularhealth, nutritional supplementation, immune system reinforcement, andmentalattitude. I have lost ground in my left eye, but my right eye appears to beholding.AsIwritethistext,Icanseethelettersperfectly.Idon’tseeARMDascurable, but I know for certain that its progress can be delayed. Perhaps, ifcaughtearlyenough,itcanbearrested.

Every single curative concept that I have heard of and used on myself isdelineated inDr.Kondrot’s book. In addition, his book has alertedme to twopreviously unknown therapies. I plan to add homeopathy and MicrocurrentStimulationtomyregimen.

At this writing I have sixteen more years of life expectancy. I have everyconfidence that at the end of those years, I will see well enough to enjoy agorgeoussunsetandfeastonthefacesofthoseIlove.Ican’turgeyoustronglyenoughtotakethemessageofthisbooktoheart.NeitherDr.KondrotnorIcanmakeyouanypromises,butthereisonethingIcanallbutguarantee.Youwillseebetterlonger,andyoumayevenseewellfortherestofyourlife.

ForewordbyDahliaHirsch,MDMacularDegeneration can be a frighteningword, and a frightening diagnosis,but it has come a long way. Twenty years ago, it was called SenileMacularDegeneration – a witness to the fact that doctors neither understood itsdevelopmentnorhadmuchsensitivitytothehumansideofpracticingmedicine.Unfortunatelymanyphysiciansstilltellpatientswiththisdiagnosisthatthereisno therapy available to help them.This just isn’t so.There are somanywayspeoplecanbehelped,ifwetakethetimetolookattheindividualandhealthemas a whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Healing is the experience of“wholeness”andthatmeansmuchmorethanwhatapersoncanreadonachart,whichweartificiallydeem‘perfectvision’.

Similarly,theartofmedicinemeansmuchmorethatgivingapillorperformingsurgerytoachievethissociallydefinedgoalofseeingwell.Asitturnsout,thereare many aspects of seeing: reading a chart, side or peripheral vision, colorvision,contrast(shadesofblack,white,andgray),depthperception,brightness,interpretation of what is noticed, the response to it, and inner vision. Adeficiencyinonecanoftenbecompensatedforbyanother.Forinstanceinorderto catch aballmostpeopleneeddepthperception.However therewas agreatfootball player who had only one eye, and therefore no depth perception. Heusedothervisualcluessuchasshadowandsizeofobjectstocatchthefootballverywell.

Theartofmedicineisinguidingpeopletoexperiencetheirhighestpotentialinthesafestwaypossible.Inordertodothiswemusteducatepeopleandempowerthemtomakechoicesandtoknowthatallhealingispossible.Withouthope,nomiracles can ever occur.Without inner vision, no new therapies can evolve. Iremember when we removed cataracts under general anesthesia, and kept thepatient in the hospital for twoweeks.At every new discovery, therewere thedoubters,andtheywereloudandconvincing.Eventuallycataractswereremovedinminuteswithnostitchesorhospitalstays.Ibelieveeventuallywewillpreventcataracts. It requires first that someone have the idea, or the vision, and thenmethods will follow. There will always be the doubters and the resisters, butwithouttryingwewillneverknow.ThesameistrueforMacularDegeneration.

Theevidencethatantioxidantshelppreventagingwaspresentedover20yearsago, and yet many doctors today have not shared that information with theirpatients.Inasurveyofcardiologists,47%personallytakeantioxidants,butmostdon’t discuss these supplements with their patients. This is unacceptable.We

must teach patients about nutrition and supplements. Years ago doctors saidstroke patients could not regain function, and therefore they were given notherapy.Not surprisingly, they didn’t regain function. Someone had to changetheir mind – have a vision – and we now know that by working with theundamagedsurroundingtissuepeopleoftenregainmuchfunctionafterstrokes.

Wehavegood reason tobelieve thatmaculardegenerationmaybeundergoingthe same revolutionary changes. New ideas are being looked at, and some ofthemaretranslatedintotherapiesthatmayworkformanypeople.Therearenewsurgical techniquesandpharmaceuticaldrugswithgreatpossibilitiesandoftengreatrisk.Otherapproachesareverysafeandcanbedoneathomebypatients.Ithink it is imperative thatmacular degeneration patients be informed of thesepossibilities,andchooseforthemselves.

Finally,someoneinthemedicalprofessionhasstooduptosharethisinformationsothatpatientscanchoose.Wecannotaffordtodonothingwhiletherearesafealternativesthathavehelpedmanypeople.Goodnutritionisimperativetogoodsight. Good psychological well-being produces molecules of healing and isessential forgoodsight.Goodairandbreathandcirculationare important.Anactivemindis important toreceiveandinterpret images.Itmakessensethat ifwebelieveexerciseisgoodforthebody,thatitisalsogoodfortheeye,andthattheremightbespecialexercisesfortheeyethatarealsogoodforthebody.

Educating patients takes hours of a doctor’s time, andmost doctors have notstudied these ideas at all. Therefore it is imperative that patients educatethemselves. But in this world of confusing information and misinformation,there is the dilemma of credibility. Whom can you trust? I commend Dr.Kondrot, a board certified and very busy and successful ophthalmologist, fortakingtheinitiativeandtimetoshareabroadspectrumofdiscoverieswithyouin this book.The information is organized, factual, and simple yet thoroughlyexplained.The result is averypracticalguide that anyonecanuse to evaluatechoicesandinitiateareasonableprogramforthemselves.EveryophthalmologistshouldbegratefultoDr.Kondrotforansweringthequestionstheirpatientsask.Hopefullytheywillrecommendthisbooktotheirsightchallengedpatients.

DahliaHirsch,MDBelAir,Maryland

IntroductionIbecameadoctorbecauseIwantedtohelppeopleandtohealpeople.Twenty-fiveyearsagowhenIenteredmedicalschool,thiswasmygoal.Todayhelpingpeopletoheal isstillmygoal,but thewayIgoabout it is theresultofa longpersonalandprofessionaljourney.WhenIgraduatedfromHahnemannMedicalSchool in Philadelphia in 1977, I thought that I had everything I needed toaccomplishmygoal.LittledidIknowthattheverynameofmymedicalschoolforetoldthepaththatawaitedme.

I decided to specialize in diseases of the eye because it seemed that themostexcitingresearchandadvancesinmedicineandsurgerywerehappeninginthatfield.Iverymuchwantedtocontributeandseediseasesthatproduceblindnessandnearblindnesseliminatedinmylifetime.Ireallybelieveditcouldhappen;yet,aftermorethantenyearsofpractice,Iwasfarfrombeingsatisfiedwithmywork.Mostofmypatientsdidnotgetbetter,andmytreatmentsjustdelayedtheinevitableworseningoftheirdiseases.Ibegantoaskmyselfiftherewasabetterway.

I have always been competitive and liked to engage in very demanding andrigorous sports. While training for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 1988, afriend suggested that I take a homeopathic remedy to help me cope with themuscleandjointpainofover-training.Iwasastonishedattheresults.Mypaindisappearedinaveryshorttime,andtherewerenosideeffectsfromtheremedyas therewould have been if I had taken a prescription or an over-the-counterpainreliever.Beingascientist,Icouldnotignorewhathadhappenedtome,andIbegantolearnmoreabouthomeopathy.

Myearlystudyofhomeopathywaslimitedtobooks.SoonIdiscoveredaworldofexpertsandlectureswheremylearningcouldexpandrapidly.AlongthewayIheard about the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy, located near SanFrancisco.Could it be that Iwas destined to attend yet another school namedafter the founderofhomeopathy,SamuelHahnemann? Iwas, and for thenextfour years, traveled one long weekend each month to the Bay Area to studyhomeopathy.At first I thought itwould be a breeze, givenmymany years ofmedicalstudy.However,Ifoundthathomeopathy,likeallcompletesystemsofhealing,wasaverycomplexsubject.Iimmersedmyselfinit,andnowconsideritthemostrewardingthingIhaveundertakeninmylife.Whenitcametimeforme to write my thesis in homeopathy, I decided to research how the earlyhomeopathstreatedeyediseasein the18thand19thcentury.Becausemanyof

the old books have been preserved, I was able to uncover a wealth ofinformation.

OneofthethingsIlearnedabouthomeopathyisthatmanyofthepresentmastersofthismedicalartliveandworkinothercountries.HomeopathyisverypopularinEnglandandotherpartsofEuropeaswellas inIndia. Itwas inIndia that Idiscovered three physicians who were able to teachme somuch about usinghomeopathy to treat eye conditions. Imade three trips to India, and eachwasunique and verymeaningful tome. Iwas able to sit and observe thework ofthree leading homeopaths: Dr. Ramakrishnan ofMadras, Dr Jugal Kishore inNew Delhi, and Dr. K. P. Muzumdar in Bombay. Dr. Ramakrishnan, whospecializes in the treatment of cancer with homeopathy, has become a closefriend.He has also visitedmy office in Pittsburgh to consultwithme on eyeproblemcases.

During this time, I also traveled to Germany as well as tomany parts of theUnitedStatestoattendseminarsandlearnallIcouldabouttherichandevolvingworldofnaturaltherapiesforeyedisease.Iamverygratefultoallmymentorsandfor thisopportunity. Itenrichedmepersonallyandallowedme to feel likethehealerIalwayswantedtobe.

The character ofmypractice began to change.Now I could offer hope tomypatientswithmaculardegeneration,diabeticretinopathy,glaucoma,cataractandeyestrain.Furthermore,theycouldtakechargeoftheirillnessandbegintohealby making lifestyle changes as well as by using natural healing techniques.Introducing homeopathy, along with nutrition and other natural methods ofhealingintomypracticehasvastlyincreasedmysatisfactioninbeingadoctor.Ithas also brought hope and relief tomany of my patients.My enthusiasm fortreatingeyediseasewithacombinationofnatural treatmentsandconventionalmedicinepromptedme towrite thisbook.This is thefirst inaseriesofbooksdealingwith thevariouseyeconditions that respondtonaturalmethods.Theseinclude Age-RelatedMacular Degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma, cataract, andeyestrain.

The subject of this book is macular degeneration, specifically, Age-RelatedMacular Degeneration (ARMD). Most people who have this disease are sofearfulwhentheyhearthediagnosisthattheydonotevenunderstandwhattheconditionorhowtheydevelopedit.Mostdistressingofall, theyhavevirtuallynoinformationabouthowtohelpthemselves.Theirdoctorsprobablytoldthemthat nothing can be done for them, nothing can significantly retard or reverse

theirdisease.Ifyouoralovedonehavebeentoldthat,donotbelieveit.Donotgiveup.Readthisbookandmakethedecisiontoimplementthesetwelvestepsasaway tobegin takingcontrolofyourhealthandvision.Everyoneof thesesuggestionswillbenefityouroverallhealthaswellasimproveyouroutlookandability to cope. In addition tonutrition, herbs, andhomeopathy, this bookwilldescribe Microcurrent Stimulation and chelation. These two therapies haveproduced dramatic results in my patients with macular degeneration. Explorewithmetheseexcitingalternativesthatcanbringbackyoursight!

This book deals only with alternative treatments for Age-Related MacularDegeneration. These include some that are now being studied withinconventionalmedicineaswell as those that focuseitheron lifestylechangeortreatments that have not yet been proven to be effective in scientific research.While trying these approaches, you should remain under the care of yourophthalmologist and have your vision checked periodically. He or she mayrecommendothertreatments,someofwhichmaynotbeavailableatthetimeofthiswriting.If this is thecase,youneedtoevaluatetheseoptions.Fortunately,mostoftherecommendationsinthisbookcomplementconventionaltreatment.Your sight is precious, and you need to feel assured that you are doingeverythingpossibletomaintainit.

EdwardKondrot,MDPhoenix,Arizonawww.healingtheeye.com

StepOne:KnowYourConditionChancesare,youarereadingthisbecauseyouoradearonehasbeentoldthatheor she has Macular Degeneration. Your first challenge was to becomeaccustomed to the name of this disorder, which is also called Age-RelatedMacularDegeneration,orARMD.Anywayyouthinkaboutit,itisnotfriendly.‘Macular’ isprobablyastrange termtoyouand‘degeneration’doesnotsoundlike somethingmoving in the right direction!Adding to your confusion is thefact that your doctormaynot have spentmuch timediscussing thiswith you.Thereareseveralreasonswhyeyedoctorstendtobeverybriefwhenpeoplearediagnosedwith this condition.MacularDegeneration (ARMD)affects parts oftheeyethatareunfamiliartomostpeople.Launchingintoanexplantionoftheanatomy of the eye aswell as telling someone they have a serious disease ismorethanmanydoctorswanttodoatonetime.Inaddition,youwereprobablytoostunnedtotakeinnewinformation.Icantellyouthis,nodoctorlikestogivethis diagnosis to a person because the doctor knows that the patient will beapprehensive and fearful – andwith good reason since conventionalmedicinehasverylittletoofferpeoplewithARMD.Yourdoctorhasmostlikelytoldyoutogohomeandlookatagrid(SeeResourcessectionfortheAmsler

Grid) on a piece of cardboard every day and call him if things changedramatically.Ifyouaskedhimwhethertherewasanythingthatcouldbedone,hemayhavetoldyoutotakesomevitaminswithzincasasupplement.Perhapshislackofenthusiasmmadeyoufeelthatthiswouldnothelpmuch.

Youwillnotloseallyoursight!Sohereyouare,lookingattheAmslerGridfaithfullyandwonderinghowsoonyouwillgoblindandbecomingmoreandmoredepressed.Let’sstartwith thegoodnews.YouwillnotgocompletelyblindfromARMD–ever.Thisconditionresults in the loss of central vision only, and the degree of vision lost variesgreatly.EventhosewhodonothingtohelptheirbodiescopewithARMD,willnot lose all their sight. If you read this book and make a sincere effort toimplement its twelve steps, you have an excellent chance of retaining yourcurrent levelofvisionandevenrestoringsomeofwhatyouhave lost.Believeme.Ihaveseenithappenwithmypatients.Youhavebeentoldnothingelsecanbedone.Thisisnottrue!Somethingcanbedone,andIamveryhappytosharemyexperienceswithyou.TheTwelveStepstoBetterEyesightcanimproveyourvision!

JamesBuchman,oneofmypatientswhohasStargardtMacularDegeneration,wastoldbyhisformerdoctortogohomeandwaitforblindnesstosetin–andtobegratefulthatitmighttakefiveyears.HiswifeRobinwrites:“Jamescouldnot believe that hemight not be able to seeour childrengrow,watch sunsets,enjoypaintings,and,stillmorefrightening,losehisjobasateacher,jeopardizingthe family’s economic situation. I searched the internet and finally found outaboutyourpractice,Dr.Kondrot,andMicrocurrentStimulation.Wethankyoufor giving us hope. Perhaps Jameswill now be able to see his children grow,maintainanactivesight-filled life,andpursuehiscareerdesires.Withoutyourhelp we would be preparing for a seeing-eye dog, Braille, and similar lifechanges.”

“Dr.Kondrot...Yourcontinuingquesttoseekanswerswhenothershavequithaschangedmyson’slife....”

KenJohnsonwritesthisabouthissonDavid,anotherofmypatients:“TwoandonehalfmonthsafterreceivingMicrocurrentStimulation(MCS)atyouroffice,David... is signing up for college courses. He is talking about driving. Yourcontinuingquest toseekanswerswhenothershavequithaschangedmyson’slife.Heisnowhopefulandoptimistic.Heissaferandlifeiseasierforhim.MywifeandIcannotthankyouenough.

WhodevelopsAge-RelatedMacularDegeneration?MacularDegenerationaffects13millionAmericans.Mostofthemareovertheageof65,butcertainhereditaryconditionsmaycauseittodevelopinyoungerindividuals. Those of you reading this book who have congenital maculardegeneration, please be reassured that these methods will also work in yoursituation. In fact, younger people often respond beautifully to many of thesetreatments.Personsovertheageof75havea30%chanceofdevelopingARMD;it rarelyaffectsanyoneyounger than55yearsold.Caucasiansdevelop itmorethanpersonsofcolorbecausetheyhavelesspigmentintheirretina,especiallyiftheyhaveblue,grey,orgreeneyes. It affectsmenandwomenequally.Peoplewhoarenearsighted(myopic)haveagreaterchanceofdevelopingthisconditionasdopeoplewhoworkorspenda lotof timeoutofdoorsandareexposed toultravioletradiationfromsunlight.

WhatcausesARMD?Doctorsliketosaythatwedon’tknowwhatcausesARMD.However,whenyoulookattherelationshipbetweenageandtheonsetofARMD,Ibetyoucanguessthat the same thingswhich cause somany of the afflictions of the elderly are

somehow linked to ARMD. These afflictions are arthritis, diabetes,hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity and high cholesterol.Much as we don’tlike toadmit it,mostof theseotherconditions result fromour lifestyle–poordiet,lackofexercise,andtheinabilitytocopewithstress.Thegoodnewsisthatthings that are caused by factors we can identify are more likely to improvewhenweeliminatethosefactors.Actually,Ibelieveeverydiseaseanddisorderhasacause,evenchildhoodcancersandallsortsofthingsmedicalsciencelikesto say cannot be explained. The truth is they cannot be explained within theframework of their thinking and understanding. Not too long ago, doctorsscoffedattheideathatdiethadanythingtodowithheartdisease.UntilDr.DeanOrnish proved, within the framework of scientific research, that an improveddiet, and a programof exercise, and social support alongwith relaxation helpreversephysicaldegeneration,itwasimpossibletoconvincedoctorsofthislink.Nowthatithasbeenestablished,themedicalcommunityhasacceptedthisidea,and lifestyle recommendations are the norm, not just for people with heartdisease, but for everyone. We all know that eating less fat and sugar andexercisingmore are good for us.Coincidentally, these same recommendationshave been shown to help with diabetes, arthritis, and all the other chronicdegenerative conditions that affect our aging population. There is that wordagain–degenerative.

Whatisdegeneration?Generation means that something new or fresh is being born. Degenerationmeans that something is dying or passing away. When used to describesomethinginthebody,degenerationmeansagradualbreakingdownof tissuesororgans,resultinginreducedfunctionofthepartsaffected.Degenerationfromarthritismeans that the affected joint doesnotwork aswell as it didbefore itdegenerated.InMacularDegenerationtheeyesdonotworkaswellastheyoncedid.Specifically,vision in thecenterof thevisual fieldgets fainterandfainteruntilfinallythereishardlyanywaytoseethingsstraighton.

The fact that this is a slow process, that it affects older persons, and that itcontinuestogetworseifnothingisdonetochangetheperson’slifestyle,leadsmetobelievefirmlythatthesamefactorsthatproducealldegenerativechangesin thebodyare involved inARMD.Studieshave shown that there is ahigherincidenceofARMDinpersonswhohavehypertension,diabetes,andconditionswhichcausecloggingorhardeningof thearteries.Therefore, ifwecanhaltorreverse the damage done to our blood vessels and joints through adopting ahealthier lifestyle,we can expect improvement in eye conditions likeARMD.

This is not just theory; I have seen it work with my patients and so have anumber of other ophthalmologists. An added bonus is that the lifestylerecommendations for ARMD are bound to improve other degenerativeconditionsthatpatientsmayhave.

Iwantyou tounderstandARMD,notonly in termsof thephysicalchanges intheeye,butasadiseaseoflifestyleandagingwithsymptomsaffectingtheeye.Takeamomenttohonestlyassessyouroverallhealthintermsofthedietaryandexercise recommendations that we all know about already. We all know weshouldeatfivetosixservingsofvegetablesandfruitdaily,exerciseaerobicallyseveraltimesaweek,andusesomeformoffocusedrelaxationtechniquedaily.Itgoeswithoutsayingthatsmokingatallandalcoholtoexcessaretaboo.Dittoforsugar and fat frommeat and dairy products.How do you rate?Do you thinktheremightactuallybeacauseforthedegenerativeconditionthathasaffectedyour eyes? If so, are you willing to try to eliminate the cause and adopttechniques and healingmethods thatmight restore your vision? I hope so, foryour sake. What have you got to lose? Please begin to implement theserecommendationstoday!

KnowyourspecificdiagnosisWhenyourdoctorgaveyouthenewsaboutARMD,heprobably toldyou thatyouhaveeither‘dry’or‘wet’ARMD.Thishasnothingtodowithhowdryortearyyoureyesfeel toyou. It refersrather to twocompletelydifferent reasonswhythemacula inyoureyeoreyeshasbeguntodegenerate.Bytheway,youmayhaveARMDinonlyoneeye,oryoumayhaveDryARMDinoneeyeandWetARMDintheother.Ifso,thechancesofitaffectingtheothereyearequitehigh,unfortunately.Goingbackto thewetanddry terms, ‘wet’ARMDoccurswhenthebloodvesselsinthebackoftheeyebegintoleakfluidorbloodintheback portion of your inner eye. It affects 10% of persons with ARMD. DryARMD,which affects 90% of personswithARMD results from a buildup ofcellularwasteproductsinthebackpartoftheinnereye.Itisveryimportantthatyouknowwhichtypeyouhave.Ifyouhaveforgotten,oryourdoctorneglectedtotellyou,pickupthephoneandcallhimorhertofindout.Thisisafirststepinempoweringyourselftogetbetter.

WetMacularDegeneration has certain characteristics and prognosis (expectedoutcome). I have observed that some cases ofWetARMD come on suddenlyafteraperiodofstressorshock,andapersonmayloseagreatdealofvisioninashortperiodoftime.OneofthetreatmentsforwetARMDuseslasersurgerytocauterizetheleakybloodvessels.Thismeasuremaypreservemorevisioninthe

long run, but usually results in worse vision in the short run because healthytissue isalmostalwaysdestroyedalongwith thediseasedvessels.WetARMDprogressesfasterthanDryARMDandmayresultingreaterlossofvisionoverashortertimeperiod.WetARMDisactuallyquitedistinctfromDryARMDandwillrespondtodifferentalternativemedicaltreatmentsthanthedrytype.

DryARMDresultsfromanaccumulationofdeadcellsintheareainthebackoftheinnereyeballwheretheretinaandmaculaarelocated.Themaculaisactuallythecenteroftheretina.Thatiswhy,evenwhenitdegenerates,youcanstillseeperipherally,orimagesmadeontheoutercircleoftheretina.Asdeadcellsbuilduponthemacula,theydotwothings:theyblockthemacula’sabilitytoproduceimagesand,theycorrodethisdelicatetissue,leadingtopermanentdegeneration.Itisnotunderstoodexactlywhythedeadcellsbegintobuildupandthe‘cleanup’mechanismthatworkedforsixtyormoreyearsstartstomalfunction.Thatis,itisnotclearfromamolecularscientificunderstanding.ButyoualreadyknowthatIhavesomestrongsuspicionsthatthisprocessiswhatwecallaging.Thismeansthatmetabolicwasteproductsbegintoclogoursystemandnewcellsdonotregeneratequicklyenoughtocopewiththisdetritus.Thereasonthisaffectsthemacula soprofoundly is that this is avery small, highly sensitive area, anareathatispronetoaccumulatewastebyvirtueofitshighmetabolicneeds.Themacularequiresmoreoxygen,nutrients,andenergycomparedtootherareasofthebody.Therefore,earlysignsofmoregeneralizeddegenerativechangesmayappearfirstinthisarea.

SymptomsofmaculardegenerationIfyouknowyouhaveMacularDegeneration,youare familiarwith thevisionchanges that prompted you to visit an ophthalmologist and get tested anddiagnosed. If you have experienced changes in your vision and may bewonderingwhetheryouhaveARMD,Iwillbrieflydescribeitsearlysymptoms.Ofcourse,othereyeconditionsmayhavethesesamesymptoms,soitisagoodideatobecheckedbyaqualifiedeyecareprofessionalassoonasyouareawareofthem.

The first thing most people notice is a lessening of their sight as they lookstraightatthings,likeprint,facesorclocks.Thismaybeadimming,ablurring,oractual‘holes’orblackspotsinthevision.Extremelightsensitivityandpoornight vision also precede ARMD in many cases. Light-to-dark adaptation,neededwhenyou try to find a seat in amovie theatre, is apt to bevery slow.Becausedoctorsdonot think thatanythingcanbedone tohalt theprogressofthis disease, the public has not been educated to be aware of these early

symptoms.However,Ibelievethatifpeoplewhonoticeanyofthesechangesintheir vision begin a program like the one described in the following chapters,theymaybe able to arrest thedamage to their eyes andmaintainnearnormalvision.ARMD,likemostdegenerativeprocesses,takesalongtimetodevelop.Peoplemayfeelthatitcameonsuddenly,butthatisbecauseonedaytheywerefineandthenextdaytheyreceivedadiagnosiswheretheyfearedtheymaygoblind.Itdoesnothappenthatway.Anyoneover35yearsoldwhoisreadingthisbook should take someof the steps towardbetter eyehealth.ThosewhohavebeendiagnosedwithARMDshouldtakethemall.

ThereishopeOnceyouunderstandthedegenerativeaspectofMacularDegenerationyoucandesignastrategytohaltthedegenerationandreversethedamageithasalreadydone. Studies in aging have identified several key components that youmustincludeinyourstrategy.Ihavelistedthembelow,andusethemthroughoutthebookaswediscussspecificmeasurestoreverseARMD.

In this book, I am going to talk about diet, vitamin andmineral supplements,homeopathy, relaxation, exercises for the eye and whole body, and sometechniques thatmay be new to you – chelation andMicrocurrent Stimulation.While these may seem to be very distinct approaches to health, all of theseinvolvethefourkeycomponentsofanti-aging.

1.Increaseoxygenationoftissues.2.Makethemetabolicprocessesmoreefficient.3.Targetnourishmenttotissuesandcells.4.Detoxifytissuesandcells.

Aprogramthatincorporatestheseobjectiveswillcertainlyenhanceyouroverallhealth.Although,Iamnotanadvocateoflivingtoover100years,Iamafirmbeliever in the quality of life and Iwant the same formypatients.Ourworldneeds vigorous elders.Medical science can keep us alive longer, but only bytakingresponsibilityfortheirhealthcanindividualsmakethatextratimeusefulandenjoyable.

Thoughwearejustinthefirstchapter,youhaveprobablyalreadyencounteredsomeideasthatyouwillnotseeinotherbooksonMacularDegeneration.Oneideaisthathowyouliveprobablyhassomethingtodowithyourdevelopingthiscondition.Somepeoplefeelblamedbythis.AbetterwaytolookatitisthatifyouhadsomethingtodowithgettingARMD,youmaybeabletodosomething

aboutit.

Healyoureyes,healyourselfIwanttoemphasizenow,atthebeginning,thateverystepyoutakemovesyouclosertothenextstepbyactuallymakingyouhealthier.Whenyouarehealthier,youwill feel stronger. Even though you have a serious condition, you do nothave to tackle everything at once. The slow and steady approach will workwonders for you! Try to work on several fronts at one time, however. Forexample,eventhoughyoumaybeabeginneratimprovingyourdiet,readaheadtothechaptersontreatmentideasandbegintoimplementatleastoneofthem.Thisbookoffersthreemajorwaysyoucanhelpyourselfandprotectyourvision.Youcanstartworkingonallofthemsimultaneously.Theyare:

LifestyleModification

♦Diet♦Exercise♦StressManagement

SelfCare

♦Supplements♦EyeNutrients♦Herbs♦EyeExercises

Treatment

♦Homeopathy♦Chelaton♦MicrocurrentStimulation

Hopefully,youfeelmotivated,notoverwhelmed,at thispoint.Remember,youhavealreadytakenthefirststep,andareabouttotakethenext.

Oneveryimportantstepyoucantaketoempoweryourselfrightnowistosharethis bookwith a friend or familymember.Choose someonewhowill supportyouintakingchargeofyourhealthingeneralandyoureyehealthinparticular.Youmayenounterresistancefromthosewhodonotbelieveinthepowerofselfcareorwhohavenotheardoftheoptionswewillexploreinthisbook.Itisonlyhuman to experience self doubtwhen naysayers are all around!This iswhere

yoursupportpersoncomesin.Heorshecankeepyouontrackandmotivatedasyoucontinuetotakestepstohealyourvision.

ChecklistforStepOne√Knowyourdiagnosis.

√UsetheAmslerGrid.

√Identifyotherhealthproblems.

√Selectasupportperson.

StepTwo:FeastYourEyesAbeautiful scene or picture is known as a feast for the eyes becausewhat istakenin,orviewed,isconsiderednourishinginsomesense.Itmayseemlikeastrangeidea,butcertainfoodsarealsoafeastfortheeyes.Expertsinnutritionhavelongknownthatcertainorgansandtissuesofthebodyrespondtospecifictypes of food. These organspecific foods contain nutrients that are needed inabundancebythetargetedpartofthebody.Carrotsandspinach,asweallhavelearned,aresaidtobegoodfortheeyesbecausetheycontainanabundanceofVitaminA.Unfortunately,mostofusarenotverysophisticatedaboutnutrition.Wemaynothavelearnedmuchmorethanthataboutnutritionfortheeyes.Asitturnsout,therearemanyotherfoodsthataregoodfortheeyes.

InthischapterwearegoingtotalkaboutplanningandadoptingadietthatcannotonlypreservesightbutmayrestoreitforthosewhohavealreadydevelopedAge-RelatedMacularDegeneration (ARMD).Someof thedietary suggestionsmaynotappealtoyouatfirst.PerhapsrecallingourdiscussioninChapterOnewill help you overcome your reluctance to change. There I suggested that ifsomethingaboutyour lifestyleallowedyou todevelopARMD, then there is agood chance that something could be changed in your lifestyle to promotehealing not just your ARMD but the underlying conditions that led to itsdevelopment.Yourdietisagoodplacetostart.

Dr. Dahlia Hirsch is an ophthalmologist who practices holistic medicine inMaryland.ShehashelpedanumberofpatientswithARMDchangetheirdietsalong theguidelineswewill suggest in thischapter.Shesays,“In tenyearsofpractice, I can say that those patientswho eat thisway and take vitamins andsupplementsalmostinvariablytellmethattheyareseeingbetter.”

Atbirth,ourbodiesarecomposedoftissuesandorgansmadefromthenutrientsin the food ourmother consumed during pregnancy. After that, we are prettymuchself-madein thatwhatweeatproduces theenergytogrowandmaintainourbodies.Fewofusenjoyalifetimeofoptimalnutrition.Theresultisthat,aswe age, our bodies lose their ability to cope with the stressors of life. Bystressors Imean the exposure to sunlight, pollution, poor qualitywater, and ahost of other factors thatmake upmodern life.Aswe age, past dietary ‘sins’(rememberallthosehamburgersandfriesconsumedduringyourteens)begintotake their toll.Chronic anddegenerativediseasemay set in. In addition, olderbodies have the burden of maintaining health and strength in the face of themetabolic slowdown that accounts for the natural process of aging.We can’t

fight that. What we can do, however, is to provide ourselves with optimumnutrition in order to minimize the impact of this aging process. If you haveARMD, you face the double challenge of trying to arrest or reverse it whilecontinuing to maintain health and strength. This situation calls for a focusedprogram of nutrition with an emphasis on whole-some food as well assupplements.Supplementsarejustwhattheyarecalled.Theydonotsubstituteforgoodfood.Theyaddtoadietthatisalreadyrichandnourishing.Iwilltalkaboutyoursupplementneedsinalaterchapter.Nowforthediet.

FoodasmedicineApersonwho has developed a degenerative disease needs to start thinking offoodasmedicine, infact theverybestmedicine.Themoreyoucanmeetyournutritionalneedsfromfoodthebetter.Ourbodiesarebuilttodigestandutilizefood.Nutrientsincapsulesandtabletsaresecondbestandonlyneededwhenourneed for nutrients is so great that it cannot bemet by diet alone. PeoplewithARMD fall into this category, and you will need to supplement your diet.However, the dietary program I am going to recommend can be consideredbaseline nutrition for the rest of your life. There is a bonus as I have alreadyindicated.Nature,inherwisdom,determinedthatwhateverisgoodforyoureyesisgood for the restofyoualso.So, thosewithhypertension, arthritis,obesity,hypothyroidism, diabetes, and coronary artery disease will find that theseconditionsalsoimproveon“thefeastfortheeyes”diet.

Dr.HirschhasnoticedthatalargenumberofpeoplewithARMDhaveanotherseriousdegenerativedisease.“Eitherthesediseasesaresimilar,oronecausestheother,or themedicationprescribed forchronicdegenerativeconditionsplaysarole in the development ofARMD.Someof themedications deplete vitaminsandminerals,especiallyzinc.”

AnotherimportantreasontoconsiderfoodasmedicinewhenyouhaveARMDisthatthereisnoothermedicineavailable.Thereareconventionaltreatmentsfortheconditionwhichincludelasersurgeryforthewettype,andradiation.Therearemanynatural techniquessuchaseyeexercises,chelation,homeopathy,andMicrocurrent Stimulation, whichwewill discuss and recommend later in thisbook.Therearenodrugs; thereisnomedicineforARMD.Thereforeitmakessensetoconsiderfoodasyourfirstmedicine.Ifyourdietisgood,alltheothertechniquesyouusetohelpyourconditionwillworkmoreeffectively.Yourdailynutrition is like your checking account. Although you make deposits andwithdrawals, hopefully the balance is always sufficient to cover your checks.Then,when there is a surplus, you canopen a savings account.Youhold this

moneyinreserveuntilyouneedextrafunds(ornutritionalsupport)tocoveranemergency.Finally,yousecureyour futurewith funds in themoneymarketorstocks. Using a technique like homeopathy or Microcurrent Stimulation orchelation,whenyouarenotadequatelynourishedonadailybasis,islikeusingyourmoneymarketfundstomeettheexpensesofdailyliving.It issimplynottheproperuseofaresource.

AddinordertosubtractDue to the research findings that show how poor diet contributes to chronicdiseases,mostofushaveaworkingknowledgeoftheproperdiet.Itisallabouteliminating the things thatwe love and that taste best to us. Forget about fat,butter,eggs,wholemilk,softdrinks,beer,cookies,icecream,redmeat.Right?Wrong. That is, at best, part of the picture. A proper diet means eating highquality,non-toxic,nutritiousfood.Andthatcan includeanyof the itemslistedabovewhentakeninmoderation.TheproblemwiththeStandardAmericanDiet(SAD)isthatpeopletrytoeliminatethefoodsthatarebadforthem,likethoselistedabove,but theyhaveno ideahow to include the foods thataregood forthem. Most people are quite unfamiliar with good food. Think about it. Themiddle-agedorolderpersonoftoday,theonemostlikelytohaveARMD,grewup in an era where commercially prepared, chemically-laced food wasconsidered good. In this era, vegetables meant frozen peas; fish sticks wereconsideredagoodsourceofprotein;cookiescameinaboxfullofpreservativesandpartiallyhydrogenatedoils; eatingoutmeant fast foodandcola.FormostpeopleonaSAD,eggs,butter,andwholemilkareascloseas theyget to realfood!Naturally,theydon’twanttogivethemup.

Iamgoingtosuggestthatyoustartthinkingaboutwhattoaddtoyourdietandforget, for the time being, about what to eliminate. I am using this approachbecauseItrustyourbody.Itrustit torespondtoreal,wholefoodandbegintocraveit.Andwhenyoucraveit,youwilleatmoreofit,andthenyouwillnotbesohungryforbadfood.Soundtoosimple?Well,thinkabouthowfaryouhavecome with the elimination or subtraction plan. Perhaps you have substitutedmargarine for butter and powdered eggwhites for eggs, and non-fat milk formilk. Do you enjoy these foods? Probably not. Are they good for you? Notespecially.So,let’sexploreanotherapproach.

The author of a very useful and popular book on healthful cooking, Laurel’sKitchen,saysthatthefirstproblemwithbecomingavegetarianislearninghowtofillintheholeontheplateleftbytheabsenceofmeat!Thesamethingcanbesaidaboutmakingtheshifttoanutritious,non-toxicdiet,thatisafeastforthe

eyestoboot!Whatintheworlddoyouputonyourplateinplaceofallyouroldfavorites?Howoftenhaveyoureadabouttheimportanceofeatingwholegrains,nuts, legumes, fruits, andvegetables andhadyourmindglazeover?Youmayhave said something to yourself like, “I’ve got a box of brown rice in thecupboard.”Doyoufeelyoureallyknowwhatreal,wholefoodis?Canyoucookwithit?Doyouknowwheretofindit?Clue:Itisnotinthesupermarket.Inthesupermarket, youwill find food that is the product of the food industry – thehighly lucrative business of producing food. This includes the heavy use ofpesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizer, preservatives, stray genes, andanythingelsethatwillkeepthecostofproductionlowandtheshelflife(profit)ashighaspossible.

Farmers’marketsBeforewebegintalkingaboutwhattoeat,let’sfindoutwhereistherealfood.We’ll begin with produce. The very best place to find real produce is at aFarmers’Market.Many communities have these, and the really fortunate oneshaveamarketwhereanumberofgrowerssellorganicproduce.Organicsimplymeans that the produce had no chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or sprays usedduringthegrowingcycleofthefood.Astepdownfromtrueorganicistheuseofpesticide sprays on mature fruit and vegetables. Farmers who do this usuallyhaveasignindicatingthattheyusethem.Sprayscanbewashedoffbeforethefood iseaten,unlikecommercial fertilizersandpesticides thatare takenupbytherootsandabsorbedbytheleaves,becominganintegralpartoftheplant.

Asafirststeptoimproveyourdiet,locateaFarmers’Marketnearyouandvisitit.Allowyourselftowanderarounduntilyougetfamiliar.(Itisconsideredgoodtobringyourownbasketormarketingbagtoreducetheuseofplastic.)Whileyouarelookingaround,feelingconfusedaboutkohlrabiandChineseeggplant,takealookattheorganicfarmersthemselves.You’llseehowhealthytheylook.Theyeatalotofthisstuff.Theyarealsoeagertotalkaboutallthestrangethingstheygrowandwillbehappytoadviseyouinmattersofpreparation.

Onyour first trip, purchase somecollardgreens, spinach,orkale.These threevegetableshavebeenproventoprovidetheformofVitaminAmosteasilyusedby the eyes.Buy some apples and other familiar items on your first trip, too.Withsomegreensinthefridgeandabowlofapplesonthetable,youareofftoagoodstartinchangingyourdiet.Forthefirstweek,eatsomeofthesegreensinplaceofthefrozenpeasandanemiclettuceyoumightbeaccustomedtoeating;eat the appleswhenever youwant to snack. Plan to visit the Farmers’Marketregularly and buy one new vegetable each week. By the way, unlike the

supermarket,Farmers’Marketshaveonlyseasonalitems,soyoumayseeapileofbeansoneweekbutnonethenext.Inthisway,youwillbecomeaccustomedtoawidevarietyofproduce.

Aword about quantity.When you ate those frozen peas, you probably had asmallpileoftheminacornerofyourplate.Thatisnotenough–evenforfrozenpeas. Start eating larger servings of vegetables. Prepare them as side dishes.Servefruit fordessert.Eatsaladwitheverything.Try this foradinner:a largebakedpotato,onehalfbakedsquash,alargeportionofcollardgreens,saladwithseasonalrawvegetables,cornbread,andwatermelonfordessert.Goaheadanduse a little butter! The idea is to fill up on good stuff, so youwill not be sohungryforemptycalories.

HealthfoodstoresThenextplacetolookforrealfoodisinahealthfoodstore.Goonaprospectingtripfirstifitseemsintimidating.Maybeoneofyourrelativesorneighborsisahealth nut.Ask them to takeyou to their favorite store.Remember,we’re notbuyingsupplementsyet,justfood,soyoucanfocusonfoodalone.Theproduceinahealth foodstorewilloffermorevariety than thatat theFarmers’Market.Youwill find some tasty out-of-season items to add to yourmenus.Youmayneedtoshopformostofyourproduceinthehealthfoodstoreifyoudonothavea Farmers’ Market in your community or when the market is not in session(wintertime).Healthfoodstoreproducewillbemoreexpensivethantheproduceyouformerlyboughtinthesupermarket.Forgetaboutmakingcomparisons.Youcanonlycompareprice;youcannotcomparethequality.IfyouhaveARMDoranyother degenerativedisease, youneed to spendmoneyongood food.Yoursavingswillcomewhenyoustopbuyingjunkfood.Rightnow,though,weareadding,noteliminating.

During your first visit to the health food store, plan to buy grains, nuts, andlegumes. Sound squirrelly?Again,we are going to keep it simple. Buy someorganic,shortgrainbrownriceoutofabin(notabox).Youknowwhatbrownriceis.Youcantakeapeekat thequinoa(pronouncedkeenwa)andthemillet,butyoudon’thavetoventurethatfaryet.Thenbuysomealmonds.No,theyarenotsliveredandinplastic.Theyarewholeandinthebins,too.Takethemhomeandroasttheminanironskilletortoastthemintheovenuntiltheystarttopop.Let themcool.Eat themwhenyouarehungryforasnack.Getsomepumpkinseedsandtoastthemintheoventoo.Grain,nut,legume!Youareallsettoaddthemtoyourgreensandapples.Ifyoulikeeggs,youmightbepleasedtoknowthatthoselaidbyhensraisedonanaturaldietwithouthormones,antibiotics,or

pesticide-ladenfoodhavebeenproventohavelesscholesterolthancommercialeggs.Thereisnoadvantagetoeatingfertileeggs,butgetthemifyouwish.Youwillprobablyseeawholehostofotherorganicdairyselections–milk,butter,and cheese.Useyour discretion and try them if youhavenot been advised tocurtail fat andcholesterol intake.Takea lookat theyogurt.Fewer flavorsandoptionswillbeoffered,butyouwillgetmoredigestion-enhancingculturesinthehealthfoodstorebrands.

Noteverythinginhealthfoodstoresisparticularlyhealthy.Intryingtoappealtothe American palate, they carry prepared food and imitation items like fakesausagemadefromsoyproducts.Noneofthesethingswillenhanceyourhealthparticularly;buttheywillprobablynotharmyoutoomuch.Myguessisthatifyoureallylovesausage,youwillnotlikefakesausage.Justbegintofillupyourplate and your stomach with whole food, and your craving for sausage willprobably subside. Many health food stores carry high quality meat such asrange-freechickensandpesticide-freefish.Feelfreetoaddthesetoyourdietifyouwish.

Now thatyouknow theway, shopat theFarmers’Marketand thehealth foodstore until it becomes a habit. Experimentwith awide variety of food items.Learnorrelearntocookorpaysomeonetodoitforyou.Thereisnowayaroundthis. Youmust preparemeals fresh and eat at home a great deal of the time.Whenyoueatout,gotoethnicrestaurantsandhaveagoodtime.Donoteatatfastfoodrestaurants.Thefat,salt,andsugarcontentoftheirfoodmayactuallymake you sick once you have feasted on real food for awhile.By adding allthesegood things toyourdiet,youwillnaturallybecomemorediscriminating,andmanyofthethingsyouformerlyatewilllosetheirappeal.

Whyorganic?Youmaybewonderingwhy I amso firmaboutyourbuyingorganicproduce.TheansweristhatIassumeyouhaveormaybeacandidateforARMD,which,aswehavealreadydiscussed,isadegenerativedisease.Degenerationhappensinthe presence of certain conditions. One of them is having a toxic innerenvironment.All the toxins inyourbodyget therebecauseyouadmit them insomeway.Theycomethroughtheairyoubreathe,thewateryoudrink,thefoodyou eat. (By theway, get a good qualitywater filter on your next trip to thehealth food store.) In recommending the dietary changes in these pages, I amtryingtohelpyoudetoxifyyourbody.Why?Iwantittobefreeduptohelpyoucopewithlife,aging,andhealingyourARMD.Therearemorewaystodetoxify.OneofthemischelationtherapywhichIwillexplaininalaterchapter.Butthe

key tosuccessandgreaterhealth is to reduceyour toxic loadonadailybasis.Therefore, my approach is two-pronged: stop adding to your toxic load byimproving your diet, and eliminate the toxins you have accumulated throughexerciseandtreatmentslikechelationtherapy.

Eatingorganicproduceeliminatesthetoxinscontributedbyfarmingchemicals.Eatingwholefoodseliminatesthetoxinscontributedbychemicalpreservatives,additives,andartificialnutrients.Bywholefoods,Imeanitemsthatareascloseto theway theygrowaspossible.A freshlycaught fishmightbequick frozenandbeveryclosetoitsoriginalstate.Fishsticksarefarfromit!Brownricehasthenutrientrichhullstillsurroundingitskernel.Yougettheidea.

ChangelikethetortoiseMany books on regaining health have chapters on diet and nutrition. Usuallytheylaunchintoalistoffoodsthatyoumusteataswellasthoseyoumustavoid.Afterthat,theygiveyoupagesandpagesofrecipes,mostcontainingunfamiliaringredients.Thisracingaheadandthenstoppingislikethewaythehareranthefamous race against the tortoise. I am suggesting you take a lesson from thetortoise. Change slowly but steadily. Shop at the right places; becomecomfortablewithmanyitemsatyournewshoppinglocations;learnhowtomakeafewgoodmealsandsnacks.

WhattoaddLaterinthisbook,Iwilltellyouallaboutthesupplementsyouwillneedtoaddtoyourgooddiet,andyouwillneedtosupplement.Remember,youaretryingtoarrest a degenerative condition or, if possible, reverse it. This requires a full-blownattempttoimproveyournutritionalstatus.Wehaveallheardthatcarrotsare good for the eyes, and they are. The thing that makes them good is thepresence of beta carotene, the nutrient that converts to Vitamin A on an asneeded basis. Researchers have found, however, that other foods are an evenricher sourceofbetacarotene.Thewinnersherearekale, spinach,andcollardgreens.Youshould still seekoutorange, red, andyellow fruits andvegetablesfortheirbetacarotene,butdonotletadaypasswithoutatleastonelargeservingof kale, spinach, or collard greens. Secondary choices for beta carotene arebroccoli,Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, fresh parsley, greenpeas,andrawtomato.

Thenextnutrientyouneedtoobtainfromfoodinasignificantquantityiszinc.Sourcesofzincareoysters,crabs,andbrancereals.Seleniumisveryimportantin eye health since it protects against ultraviolet light damage from sunlight.

Seleniumhasbeendepleted fromour soil, soa lotof thecommerciallygrownproduce contributes very little of thismineral, even if the item is traditionallyknowntobehighinselenium.Begintoaddorganicredchard,oats,brownrice,barley,wheatbran,nuts,andgarlicalongwithorangejuicetoyourdiet.

Allfatsarenot thesame.WhileIstronglyurgeyoutoabandonmargarineandlimit saturated fats such as that found inmeat and dairy products, it does notmean that you cannot have fat.On the contrary, the fats namedOmega-3 andOmega-6arevital for their role in lubricatingdelicateeye tissuesandclearingcloggedarteries.Foodsourcesoftheseoilsaresalmon,sardines,tuna,andcodliver, flaxseedandoliveoils.Addone large servingofat leastoneof these toyourdailydiet.Youwillfindflaxseedoilintherefrigeratedcaseatyourhealthfoodstore.Keepitrefrigeratedathome,too.Eattwotablespoonsdailyoruseitasadressingonsalads.

One of the newer diet ideas I’m recommending is replacing some of thecarbohydratesinyourdietwithprotein.Asanation,wehavebecomeoverloadedwith carbohydrates. The concern about fat in meat and dairy products hasproducedarealcarbohydratecraze.Wehavebeentoldtoeatpasta,salad,cereal,andbread.Wehavebeenadvisednottoeatfattymeatorfullfatdairyproductsin the dietary gospel of the past decades. However, some new research,particularly,intherealmofobesity,hascausedapartialretractionofthatgospel.IfindtheworkofBarrySears,authorofTheZoneandMasteringtheZone,tobequitecompelling.Otherpopularauthorshavebuiltuponhiscoreconcept.Theidea is that the production of insulin is related to weight gain, and insulinproduction soarswhenwe overload on carbohydrates.Our dietary fads of thepastdecadesmaybetoblamefortheincreasedincidenceofdiabetesinadults.All that pasta and bread, even the whole grain products, have been quietlyconvertedtofatbyourbodiesalltheseyears.

Ideally, you should try to balance carbohydrates with protein and fat at eachmealorsnack.Iurgeyoutotakealookatoneoftheseauthors’books.Youwillprobably find your thinking about nutritionmodified considerably.One of thethings I like aboutSears’ approach ishis emphasisonvegetables and fruit forcarbohydrates.Whenbalancing ameal in termsof protein, carbohydrates, andfat,itmakessensetothinkaboutbountifulservingsofspinachinsteadofatinybitofpastaonyourplateasthecarbohydrateallotment.Theimproveddigestionandincreasedenergylevelsreportedbymanywhohavetriedthezoneapproach,alongwiththefillingandappetizingmeals,makeitworthtrying.Ihopeyoudoso.

Awordaboutpreparation.Now thatyouknowwhat toeat,becareful inyourpreparation.Yestosteamingorsautéingvegetablesandpoachingorgrillingfish.Nixtofryingorovercooking.Youpaidtoomuchmoneyforthisfoodtoruinitsvalue throughpoor cooking.High temperatureskill thenutrients invegetablesandcauseoiltobecomecarcinogenic.

DigestionIthasbeenfoundthatmanypeoplewhodevelopdegenerativeeyediseasesalsohavepoor digestion. In some cases digestionmaybe so severe that theyhavedevelopedCrohn’sdiseaseorirritablebowelsyndrome.Inmanycases,itsimplymeans that theproductionof digestive enzymesby the liver andpancreas andhydrochloric acid by the stomach is sluggish. Feeling bloated, gaseous, orexperiencingheartburn after eating are someof the signsof poor digestion. Ifyou have these symptoms with any regularity, you need to support yourdigestionwithenzymesupplementsandhydrochloricacid.Thiswillensurethatallthosegoodnutrientsbecomebio-availableforyourbodytouseandthattheydonotpassoutasundigestedwaste.See thechapteron supplements formorecompleteinformationaboutthisimportantstep.

Dr.Hirschhasverywiselyobservedthatthreethingsarerequiredtoallowdiettoworkinatherapeuticway.“First,foodmustbegrowninanappropriatewaysothatithasnutrients.Second,thepersonmustbeabletodigestthefood.Third,the foodmustbeassimilated,meaning thatbloodvesselsare ingoodshape todelivernutrientstothecells.”

Ididnotincluderecipesinthisbookbecausetherearealotofgoodrecipebooksaround.Dobuyoneforyourselfbutmakeitasimpleone.Myapproachtogoodnutritionisbasedoncounselingmany,manypeople.Mostofthemdidnotevencookforthemselves.Theyateout,gotseniormeals(mostofthesearelethalbytheway),snackedendlessly,oropenedcans.Irealizedthattellingthemtoeatsixto seven servings of produce a daywas like telling them to begin speaking aforeignlanguage.Theyhadnoideahowtogoaboutmakingtheneededchangesin their diet. It seemed overwhelming and certainly not something they couldtakeupinthefaceofaconditionthatlimitedtheirvision.ThatiswhyIbrokeitdown into several easy steps. The idea is to keep at it and change underlyinghabitsofshoppingandmealpreparation.Mostofmypatientswerewillingtodothiswhen I explained that not onlywas food their bestmedicine, itwas theironlymedicine.Ihopeyouwillfeelthiswaytoo.

Foodisnotonlyyourbestmedicine,itisyouronlymedicine.

ChecklistforStepTwo

√Findasourcefororganicproduce.

√Visitahealthfoodstoreandmakeapurchase.

√Cookandeatanewvegetableeachweekfortwomonths.

√Findahealthfulcookbookyou like√Increase lowfatprotein inyourdiet√Decreasecarbohydrates.

√Reducefatandsugarintake.

√Eliminatemargarineandcoffeefromyourdiet.

√Improveyourdigestion.

StepThree:ExerciseThischapterleadsyoutothenextstepinhealingyourvisionproblem–exercise.Exercisestimulatestherepairmechanismsofthebody.Wearemeanttomove.Observeasmallchildifyouhaveanydoubtsaboutthis.Theyarevirtuallyneverstill!Innativesettings,peoplemoveaboutuntilverylateinlife.Unfortunatelyourtendencytobecomeimmobilefromaches,pains,andthelossofstrengthandstamina results primarily from our sedentary ways. In the previous chapter, Italkedabouthowtokeepyourbodypartsnourishedandlubricated.NowIwilldiscuss how to keep them moving. If a car is not used for a month, themechanicalpartsintheenginewillbegintodeteriorate.Thesamethinghappenstoyourbody.Thischapterisaboutwholebodyexercise.Thenextchapterwilltalkaboutthespecificexercisesfortheeyes.

Inrecentyears,scientistshavelearnedagreatdealaboutexercise.Asaresult,virtually everybodybelieves that he/she should exercise.The problem is therearealotofpeople,over50percentinfact,whodonotexercise.IfyouareoneofthepeoplewhoexercisedbeforeyoudevelopedARMD,thenyourchallengeistomodifyyourprogram,ifnecessary,tocopewithreducedvision.Perhapsyoualsoneedalittlemotivationandencouragementifyouarefeelingdepressedandhopeless about the future. If you did not exercise regularly before developingARMD,yourchallengeistobegindoingsoatatimeinlifewhenyoufindmanythings more difficult. Although you may at first feel daunted by the idea oflaunchinganexerciseprogramnow,exerciseandmovementcanactuallyofferyoumorebenefitsthanitoffersasightedperson.

Whyexercise?There aremany types of exercise, andwewill discuss each type later in thischapter. The important thing to know is that any type – from aerobics tostretching–offersseveralkeybenefitstopersonswithlowvision.

The first and most important benefit of exercise is its ability to combatdepression. Movement increases the production of natural endorphins, thebody’smoodelevators.Inonestudy,depressedpeoplewereassignedtooneofthreegroups:thosewhoexercisedaerobicallyonaregularbasis,thosewhotookanti-depressants,andthosewhodidboth.Theinvestigatorspredictedthatthosewhoboth exercise and took anti-depressantswould feelmost relief from theirdepression.Everyonewassurprisedtolearnthatthosewhousedexercisealonetocombatdepressionreportedfeelingbetterthaneitheroftheothertwogroups

afterseveralweeks. It isquitenormal to feela lowmoodanddepressionafterlearningonehasARMD.However,exercisecanprovideanewfocusforactivityandactuallychangeyourbiochemicalstatesosignificantly thatdepressioncanbeovercome.

The second benefit of exercise is its ability to improve your confidence andsenseofsafetyasyoucontinueyournormalactivitieswithreducedvision.Fullysighted persons depend almost exclusively upon visual cues to guide them inmovingabout.Onereasonforthisisthatmostmodernpeopleareoutoftouchwiththeirbodies.Nativepeoplewereandareabletomovethroughcompletelyblackforestsandjunglesatnight,relyingontheirsensesofsmell,hearing,andtheir kinesthetic sense. Kinesthetic means the sensation of bodily position,presence,ormovementresultingchieflyfromthestimulationofnerveendingsinmuscles, tendons, and joints.For example,youknow thatyouare standingonthefloorbecause thenerves in thesolesofyour feetarestimulatedbycontactwiththefloor.Youknowyouhavereachedawallwhenyoubumpintoit.Manypersonswholosesomeoftheirsightfeeldisorientedinspacebecausetheycanno longerusevisualcuesand theyhavehad littleexperienceusing theirothersenses.Thisdisorientationcausesthemtolosetheirbalance,feelclumsy,bumpintothings,andevengethurt.Exercisecanrestoreasenseofconfidenceinyourbody.Itcanopenupneuralpathwaysandallowyoutofeelpartsofyourbodythathavehadnosensation.Theabilitytofeelyourlimbsandtrunkwillincreaseyour sense of security in spatial orientation and allow you to move moregracefully and confidently.Youwill probably begin to feel a new relationshipwithyourbodyonceyourealizehowmuchyouhavelostcontactwithfeelingit.

Grace Halloran is a woman who has pioneered a method of healing retinitispigmentosaandothereyeconditions, includingARMD.Shesuffered from thegenetically transmitted condition from the time she was in her twenties.Determinednottoloseallhersight,shedefiedalloddsaswellasthescientificcommunityindesigningaprogramtorestorevisionforthoseafflictedwiththiscondition.Inherautobiographicalbook,AmazingGrace,shetellsthestoryofatimewhen her visionwas low and she needed towalk outside in the forestedarea around hermountain home. Even as she panicked because she could notsee, she realized that her bare feet could senseobstacles such as boulders andholesinthepath.“Iwasdeterminedtoincreasemyoverallawarenessbyusingmy feet.After all, feet are the primal contactwith the earth, always receivinginformation. The signals, once interpreted, could increase my ability to getaround.Thusmyfeetbecamemyearlywarningdefensesystem....”Byallowing

herfeettoleadher,shewasabletorelaxandcompletethejourneysafely.Shewasusingherkinestheticsense.

A third benefit of exercise is its ability to open up a new way of taking ininformation.Researchers found thatmost people have one dominantmode, orway, of learning anything. The three modes are visual (through the eyes),auditory (through the ears), and kinesthetic (through a felt bodilysensation).Understanding the different styles of learning is very important. Ifthreepeoplearepresentinanysituation,theywilltakeininformationdifferentlydepending on their dominant style. A visual person describing an outdoorweddingmightprovidea lotofdetail aboutwhat theweddingpartyworeanddecorations.Apersonwhowasauditorywouldfocusmoreonthemusic,soundsof the birds, and the tone of voice the couple used in exchanging vows. Akinesthetically focused person would describe the event in terms of thetemperature of the air, breezes, and the sensation of being in the crowd as aparticipantintheevent.Eachonewasfullypresentandobservantbutfocusedonadifferentaspectofthesituation.Scientistshaveproventhatwecanalllearntoexpandourwaysofinteractingwiththeworldbypayingattentiontothesensoryinputavailableineachmode.Whatthismeansisthatevenwhenvisionbecomesweaker,wedonotneedtolosecontactwithexperience.Wemayneedtoshifttoother sorts of stimuli and paymore attention to sounds and feelings. Exercisehelpsustofeelourbodiesinspacemoreaccuratelyandwithmorepleasure.Itallowsustoopenupthekinestheticsenseasawaytolearnaboutandparticipatein our environment. As your vision improves through the use of the othertechniques in this book, you will continue to enjoy the benefits of havingdevelopedyourkinestheticsense.

The fourth reason to exercise is the same for fully sighted and low visionpersons.Thisisthecardiovascularbenefitfromaerobicexercise.Simplystated,aerobic exercise makes you breathe harder. Faster breathing speeds up yourmetabolismandallowsyoubodytoriditselfofwastesandtoxins.Anyformofsustained, fast-paced movement accelerates the heart beat while training it toperform under stress so that it does not beat too fast. In the beginning of anaerobicprogram,theheartrateisapttobeveryfastwithonlymoderateexertion.Afterawhile,theheartrategoesuponlyslightlywithexertion.Monitoringyourheart rate while exercising strenuously will give you an idea of how muchbenefit you are deriving from your exercise program. If you do not have aregularexerciseprogram,nowisthetimetostart.

Begin slowly under your physician’s supervision by exercising ten to fifteen

minutes several times per week. This should gradually be increased to thirtyminutes of exercise every day. The ideal exercise programwill increase yourheart rate moderately without producing fatigue. A general guideline is toexerciseat60%ofyourmaximumheartrate.Thisismeasuredduringthemostintenseperiodofyourexerciseprogram.Tocalculatethisnumber,subtractyourage from220.This number is yourmaximumheart rate. Sixty percent of thisnumberwillbeyourtargetheartrate.Aimtoexerciseintherangebetweenyourtargetrateandyourmaximumrate. Ifyourheartbeatsfaster thanthis, there isgreaterriskofinjurytomusclesandtheheartitself.Agoodruleofthumbisthatwhen you have difficulty carrying on a conversation, you have reached yourtargetrate.

Tocalculateyourtargetheartrate,exercisetothepointwhereyoufeelyouareputtingoutagoodeffort.Stopandtakeyourpulsefor15seconds.Youcanfeeliteasilybyplacingtwofingersonthearteryonthesideofyourneck.Multiplythisnumberbyfourtoobtainyourheartrate.Ifthisnumberisgreaterthanyourmaximumheartrate,youneedtodecreaseyoureffortuntilyoureachastatejustunderyourmaximumheartrate.Thisisthemostefficientlevel.Itenablesyoutohavetoagoodaerobicworkouttheriskofinjury.Afterdoingthisforatime,youwill learnhowtorecognizewhenyouhaveachievedyourmaximumheartratewithout checking your pulse. Remember: more is not better; you need tograduallyincreaseyouraerobiccapacity.Yourheartrateisyourguide.

Whatisaerobic?Aerobicexercisemeansasustainedactivitythatchallengesyourheartandlungs.Therearemanytypesofaerobicexercise,andthesecanbedoneatapacethatmatches your abilities. Running is a favorite butmay not be possible if yourvisionmakesyoufeelunsteadyoryourkneesorjointsarepainful.Cyclingisagoodchoiceandcanbedoneinagymorathomeonastationarybike ifyourvisiondoesnotpermitoutdoorcycling.

Aerobicdanceclassescanbefunifyoufindaclasswheretheroutinesarenotvariedtoofrequentlyandyourvisualacuityallowsyoutoseetheinstructorwell.Sometypesofyoga,aswewilldiscusslater,areaerobic.Evenhousecleaningorwashingthecarcanbeamini-workout.

Olderpersonsneedtoexerciseinordertocombatthedeclineinflexibilityandstrengththatoccurswithage.Manyinjuriescanbepreventedifapersonisagileandstrong.Thefracturesofosteoporosis(bonethinning)arelesslikelytooccurin individualswhohavedoneweightbearingexercise– thismeanswalkingor

running or doing something that causes the long bones to carry your weight.Strengthbuildingwithweightscanalsocombatthiscondition.Ultimately,yourself-sufficiency requires that you be able to manage tasks required in dailyroutines.Thiscanbeevenmorecriticaltoindependencethantheabilitytodrive.

TypesofexerciseTherearethreemaintypesofexercise.Sometypesbuildstrength;othersfocusonendurance;sometypesemphasizeflexibility.Anyofthesecanbeconsideredaerobic.Anexampleofstrengthbuildingexerciseisweightlifting.Thistypeofexercise usually targets certain muscles or muscle groups for development.Strengthbuildingexerciseshouldnotbedoneonconsecutivedays;adayofrestbetweenworkouts isnecessary toallowformuscles toheal from theworkout.Running, cycling, and fast walking, along with cross-country skiing, areexamplesofendurancebuildingexercises.Flexibilityisthegoalinmosttypesofdanceandyoga,althoughtheyalsopromoteenduranceandstrength.Ideally,anexerciseprogram should include all three typeswith an aerobicworkout threetimesperweekalternatingwithaprogramforflexibilityoragility.

Recent findingson thebenefitofexercise reveal that less is required toobtainthecardiovascularbenefitsthanwaspreviouslythought.Arecentstudyshowedthat post-menopausal womenwhowalked at amoderate rate (threemiles perhour) foronehour three timesperweekhad40percent lesschanceofaheartattack than thosewhodidnot exercise.Youmustbeginwhereyouare. Ifyoucanonlywalktenminutes,thendoit.Nothingbuildsfasterthanthecapacityformovement.Evena sedentarypersonwhobegins to exercise,will soon start tocravesomemovementeveryday.Bytheway,cleaningoutthegarage,weedingthegarden,andscrubbingfloorsareallexamplesofmovement.Thinkofwaystoworkoutwhile yougo about your daily routine. Is it possible towalk to astoreormailbox?Smallchildrenwillusuallygetadultsoutsideforwalkstothepark.Dittofordogs.Canyouborrowachildoradogtohelpyouworkout?Theidea in motivating yourself to exercise is to make it enjoyable. If you are apersonwholovestoexerciseandfocusonit,somuchthebetter.However,manypeople need to be tricked into exercisingwhile they are doing something elselikewatchingbirdsorwashingthecar.

Now thatyouknowhowmuchmoreapersonwith lowvisionpersonbenefitsfromexercisethanafullysightedperson,let’sgetstarted!Alwaysconsult,notonly your ophthalmologist, but your general physician before beginning anexercise program. Your age and physical condition may require you to takecertain precautions in exercising. Please be prudent. With respect to ARMD,

thosewhohavewetARMDand tend tobleedmustbecertain toconsult theirophthalmologist before undertaking any strenuous exercise for fear of itimpactingtheretinaitself.

WheretoexerciseFindingyour placewith exercise is key tomaintaining a disciplined schedule.Thefirstchoicetomakeisoutdoorsvs.indoors.Somepeoplerebelagainsttheconfinement of a gym or class or even of their own home. If you choose toexercise out of doors, you can design a very adequate program that promotesaerobicfitnessandincreasesyourflexibility.Itismoredifficulttobuildstrengthwith a program that is exclusively done outdoors. Youmaywant to combineoutdoorworkoutsinfairweatherwithindoorworkoutsinfoul.Goodall-aroundoutdoor activities include fast walking, running, cycling, and cross countryskiing.Ifyouareuptoskating,bothiceandinlineskatingareexcellentaerobicworkouts.Swimmingisoneofthebestconditioningundertakingsandcanmakepersons with low vision, feel quite relaxed since vision is not critical tosuccessfulswimming.

Ifyou like indoorexercisingorneed to limityour-self to indoorworkouts, thenextchoicetomakeiswhethertopurchasehomeequipmentorgotoagymorboth. Working out in a gym has many benefits in general. There is a widervarietyofequipmentthananyhomegymcouldacquire.Therearetrainedstaffpeople to help. Itmaybe possible to take classes in special formsof exercisealongwith designing your ownworkout. Aerobic workouts, strength training,andflexibilitybuildingclassescanusuallybefoundinonespot.

Persons with limited sight may have special considerations in using a gym,however.Gettingtoandfromthegymandnavigatingitare thingstoconsider.However,allexerciseprogressesbetterwhendonewithafriendorcompanion.Ifyoufindacompanionwithwhomtoexercise,consideryourselffortunate.Ifthis person can also helpwith transportation, assuming you need this help, somuchthebetter.

Working out at home offers the advantage of a familiar surrounding and thepossibilityofyourpartneror familymemberparticipating. It is limitedby thetypesofworkoutsyoucando.Oneadvantage,though,isthatyoucanpurchasevideos to instruct you in unfamiliar routines or types of exercise. Usuallylibraries and video stores have these available for loan, giving you anopportunitytofindoneyoureallylikebeforepurchasingit.

However, don’t expect to be satisfiedwith one video for too long. If you aremakingprogress,youwillwanttoupgradefromtimetotime.Ifyourvisionislow,afamilymembercanhelpyouassumethepositionsordothestepsshownonthevideowhileyoufreezetheaction.

Speakingofgettinghelp, considerhiringacoachorpersonal trainer.A trainercan help you design your programwhether you are at home or using a gym.Theyareaccustomed toworkingwithpersonsatall skilland fitness levels, sodon’tthinkyouneedtobeAdonistouseone.Theywilltailortheirworktohelpyoumeetyourownpersonalgoals.Theydonotmerelyshowupwithaworkoutforyou.Bytheway,youdon’tneedgoalslikeaddingtwoinchestoyourbiceps.Simplywantingtoexercisethreetimesaweekandstrengthenasorelowerbackaregoodenoughtobegin.

ThetrampolineJumpingonatrampoline,called“rebounding”hasbeenshowntobeoneofthemost effective and accessible forms of aerobic exercise. All it requires is thepurchaseofasmallexercisetrampoline,availableinmostsportinggoodsstores.Thosewhofeelunstablecanbuyastabilizerbarthatattachestothetrampoline,making it easy to use for almost anyone. There are portablemodels for thosewhotravelorwanttotakeittoworkonadailybasis.

Thebestwaytouseitisforatotalof30to40minutesperday.Thesecanbeindivided sessions or all at one time.Naturally, a beginnerwillwork up to thisamountoftimeoveraperiodofweeks.Thetechniqueinvolvessimplejumping.Theconstructionof the trampolinevirtuallyeliminates thepossibilityof injurytotissues,joints,orlimbs.Itiseasytouseinsidethehouseoroutofdoors.YoucanwatchTV,chatonthephone,orvisitwiththefamilywhileyourebound

Rebounding tones your body, reduces fat, increases energy, and, mostimportantly,stimulatestheimmunesystem.Theimmunesystemiscomposedoflymphnodes and lymph channels.Lymphnodes, located throughout thebody,butprimarilyinthegroinandupperchest,storetoxinsuntiltheycanbereleasedthroughthevenoussystem.Toxinsreachthelymphnodesthroughtheactionofwhite blood cells and other specialized cells that attack poisons and foreignmaterial in the body.Unlike the blood,which is pumped by the heart, lymphreliesonmovementandexercisetocirculate.Thatmeansthatstagnationoccurswhen you exercise too little. However, rebounding has been found to beextremelyefficientinmovinglymph.Alongwiththiscometheaddedbenefitsofatonedimmunesystem.

Theaerobicqualityofthejumpingwillraiseyourheartbeattoyourtargetzonequitequicklywithoutyourfeelingoverlytiredorstressed.Thiswillallowyoutokeepreboundingforalongertimethanyoucouldsustainanotheractivitysuchasjogging.Itisgentle,effective,easytodo,andquiteinexpensive.Whatareyouwaitingfor?

MusicWetalkedabouttheopportunitiesinvolvedinopeningupyourothertwowaysoftaking in theworldwhenvision is low. It canbeverypleasurable to combinemusicwithmovement.This,ofcourse,isdoneindancing,andyoumayfindthatdance classes or lessons are a good way to begin getting some exercise. Butmusic can be combinedwith all forms of working out. Fast music goes withaerobics;slowmusiccanaccompanyyogapostures.AnythingfromHawaiiantoclassical music can be the background to a freeform dance and movementsessionofyourowndesign.Thisisoneoftherichestwaystoenjoyyourbodyandmovement.

YogaYogameansunioninSanskrit,unionofmindandbody.Therearemanyformsofyoga,withsomebeingpuremeditationorcontemplation.Thetypeofyogamostpopularwithwesternersishathayoga.Hathayogaclassesofferanhourormoreofratherslowmovementwhileyouassumevariousposturesasinstructedbytheyogateacher.Theseposturesareheldwhilelyingdown,sitting,andstandingup.Yogaisusuallypracticedinoneplaceonamat,sothereisnoneedtonavigateunfamiliarterritory.Abonustovisuallyimpairedpeopleisthatitisusuallydonewithclosedeyes.Yogareallyhelpsyoutofeelyourbodyandcanbeawonderfulalternative tomore vigorous forms of exercise. It is unparalleled in producingflexibility.Everyyogaclassallowssometimeforcompleterelaxationwhich,aswewillseeinthenextchapter,isoneofthemostimportantcomponentsofgoodhealth. Another benefit of yoga is its emphasis on correct and rhythmicbreathing.A very good class in yoga is apt to be offered at your local seniorcenter or adult education program.There are videos available to help you usethistechniqueathomealso.

There are several types of yoga. This brief review may be helpful to you inchoosing a form that is best. Iyengar yoga is a type of hatha yoga thatemphasizesstrengthaswellasflexibility.Thepostureshaveaverydefiniteformand aremaintained longer than those in simple hatha yoga.Kundalini yoga ishighly aerobic with deep and sometimes fast breathing. It can be quite a

workout,butitstillincorporatesrelaxation.Bikramyogausesthesameseriesofpostures in a fluid, aerobic workout from class to class. Classes are held insuperheatedroomstopromoteflexibility.

WaterworkoutsAswementionedearlier,waterisagoodmediumforvisuallyimpairedpersonssince it does not require good sight. Many YMCA’s have programs ofaquathenicsorwaterballet forpeoplewithstressed joints, injuries,orarthritis.Waterisaveryforgivingmediumformovementsinceformisnotsoimportantandonedoesnotfeelfatiguedafterasession.Swimming,ofcourse,canalsobearewardingsport,and,alongwithiceskating,isunparalleledinworkingmanymusclegroupswithoutneedingtofocusonanyoneinparticular.

OrientalformsofexerciseIn both China and Japan, it is common to see groups of people, whetheremployees, students, or residents of the same apartment building, performingrhythmic movements each morning. Quite likely the real purpose of thesemovements can only be revealed by studying the ancient teachings of thecultures.Onecannothelpbutnoticethatthisseemslikeapeacefulwaytogreetthe day. (Compare it to grabbing a coffee and doughnut on the way into anAmericanofficebuilding.)Italsoseemstospeaktoacertainsolidarityorunityamongthepeopleexercisingtogether.Sinceitisusuallydoneoutofdoorsinthemorning,itseemstorelatepeopletonatureatthebeginningofanewday.

SeveralformsofexercisethatoriginatedintheorientarebecomingverypopularintheUnitedStates.TaiChiisperhapsthebestknown.Itrequiresparticipantstoassume various postures very slowly and deliberately in an effort to enhancebalance and grace. It is thought that the inner currents of energy are freed tomove in a more healing and unobstructed way as a result of this practice.QiGongisanotherformofmovementespeciallyfavoredbytheelderlyinChina.These techniquescanbe foundonvideos, ifyouhavenoclasses inyourarea.Doneslowlyandwiththeuseofappropriatesupport,suchaschairbacktoholdonto for balance, they are safe and rewarding. Senior centersmay offer theseclasses, and there they will be paced to those who need assistance and mustmove abitmore slowly.Likeyoga, thesepractices also focuson thepeacefulinterplayofmindandbody.

SynergyThisbookofferstwelvestepstohelpyouimproveyourARMD.Actually,thatis

notalargenumberofthingstodo.Itmay,atfirst,seemoverwhelming.Thinkofwaystocombinesomeofthesesuggestions.Forexample,growingsomeofyourownfoodwillensureitshighqualitywhileprovidinganopportunityforexerciseinthegarden.Inthenextchapter,wearegoingtotalkaboutrelaxation.Severaloftheexercisemethodswementionedhere,namelyyogaandTaiChi,focusonhaving a relaxed mind. However, all forms of exercise have been shown toreduceanxietyanddepression. Ifyouhavebecomedependentoncigarettesorcaffeine,whichwewilltalkaboutinalaterchapter,youneedtogivethemup.Exerciseaswellasstressreductionwillhelpyoukickthesebadhabits.Agooddietwilllessenyourcravingforunhealthysubstances.So,thinksynergy.Selectthoseactivitiesthathelpyouredesignyourlifeinwaysthatmakesenseforyoursituationandhavethegreatestpayoffintermsofrebuildingyourhealth.

FourReasonstoExercise

♦FightDepression

♦Improveconfidence;increasesafety

♦Developkinestheticsense

♦Improvecardiovascularhealth

CheckListforStepThree√Selectatypeofexercisethatappealstoyou.

√Findaplacetoexercise.

√Findanexercisepartner.

√Learntomonitoryourheartrate.

√Begintoexercisethreetimesperweek.

√Introducevarietyintoyourroutine.

StepFour:CopeWithStressIamgoingtobeginthischapterwithaveryshortquiz–onequestioninfact.Doyouhavestress inyour life?Youdonotneed to turn thepageupsidedowntofind the answer. There is only one correct answer and that is “no.” Are yousurprised?Perhaps,likemanyofmypatients,youwanttosay,“Dr.Kondrot,youjustdon’tknowaboutmylife.Itisfullofstress,andthereisn’tathingIcandoaboutit.There’sthejoborthelackofajob,theteenagers,thein-laws,myagingparents,traffic....”Yes,I’veheardallaboutit.Buthereisthesecret:thereisnosuchthingasstress; thereisonlylife.Stresscomesintothepictureinthewaywerespondtoevents.

You’ve probably heard something to the effect that the only real freedomwehaveisinhowtorespondtowhateverlifepresents.Wecannotcontrolit.Infact,tryingtocontroleventsorpeopleproducesinnertensionandanxiety.Theonlythingwe can control is our response. Think about it. Even in a very frightfulsituation,forexampleifyourneighbor’shouseisconsumedbyflames,youcanstillchoosehowtorespond.Youcanpitchinandhelpdousetheflames.Youcantake in the poor neighbors and offer tea and comfort. You can loan yourneighborsyourphoneandcartocopewiththeirimmediateneeds.Youcanjustkeep reading the newspaper or watching TV. You can stand in the street andwringyourhandswithyourheartandmindracing.Whatisthemostappropriateresponse? From a social standpoint, any helpful response is appropriate. Andmost of us would be able to understand the hand wringing. From a healthstandpoint, any response that keeps your vital signs steady is a good one.Therefore,continuingtowatchTVisokay.(Studieshaveshown,however,thatsocialinvolvementisarealplusinlongevity,soignoringyourneighborsmightnot actually be healthy in the overall sense.) The impulse to fight the flamesstemsfromadesiretocontainthefirebutalsofromyourbody’sneedtostabilizeyour vital signs. Accelerated heart rate and respiration are two of thephysiological responses to tense situations, and activity is away to normalizethem.Thisistheflightorfightresponseyouhaveprobablylearnedabout.Lesstalkedaboutbutequallyimportantisthefreezeresponse.Thisisalsoanaturalreaction (think about rabbits!) to danger, and some people will freeze whileothersfleeorfight.

YoucanchooseyourresponseAsyoucansee,wecanchooseourresponseregardlessofthesituation.Drivingprovidesaninterestingexamplebecausealldriversinoneareaaredealingwith

thesamesetofconditions.Onedriverwillpulloutofthedrivewaywithasquealoftires,andablastofrockmusic,allsetforroadrageattheslightestobstacle.The next will nose out slowly, knuckles whitened on the wheel, squintingbecausevisionislow,creepingalongbelowthespeedlimit,andexhaustedafterjustafewminutesofcopingwiththemanychoicesdrivingrequires.Eachdriverisexhibitingastressresponse.Thefirstoneisrelatedtofightorflight,andthesecondisfreezing.Athirddriverwilldriveinanawarebuthighlyrelaxedstate.Shewillsignaltootherdriverstoproceedwheneverthereisanopportunity.Shesmilesatthemtoo.Sheisawareoftrafficflowindeterminingherspeedandisjust naturally alert to special circumstances that require evasive or assertivedriving.Rememberthatallthreeofthesedriversareapttobeinthesamegroupof cars at one stoplight. In other words, they are all dealing with the sameexternal conditions, but their internal response to these conditions shapes thewaytheyreact.

Let’s examine this a little further. Driver number onemay have a number ofphysiological contributors to his driving style. Caffeine is a suspect, perhapsevenamphetaminesorsomeotherstimulatingdrug.Maybehe just finishedanargumentwithahousemateorpartner that lefthisadrenalinepumpingbeforejumping into the car. Thoughts about an earlymorningmeetingwith his bosskeep him on edge because he has been late turning in his reports recently.Speakingofbeing late,he left thehousewithno time tospare toget towork.However,ifwelookalittledeeperintohislife,weseethatall thesesituationshavedevelopedbecauseofthesamepattern–thetendencytoliveontheedge,cutcorners,andfocusonhimselftotheexclusionofothers’needs.

Drivernumber twoalsohascontributingfactors toher tendencytofreeze.Shetakes a few prescription drugs that slow down her reflexes, so she is alwayssomewhat depressed. Lately, she has been getting lost, even in familiarneighborhoods, so she is concentrating very intensely on her driving that isdifficult because she cannot see all that well. Although her daughter-in-lawofferedtotakehertoherappointmenttoday,sherefusedhelpbecauseshewantstoprovetoherselfandeveryoneelsethatsheisstillindependent,notfailinginanyway.Wemightnoticehowdrivernumbertwoalsofocusesonherneedstothe exclusion of others. She is not a safe driver, but she insists on driving toproveapoint.Whilewemayfeelmoresympathyfortheseconddriver,sheis,insomeways,asantisocialasthefirstdriver.

BalanceisthegoalThethirddriverexhibitsbalance.Shecanfocuswellondrivingandperformthe

necessarymaneuvers,butsheisnotconsumedbythetask.Norisshedistractedbyotheraspectsofher life. Itappears thatevents thatoccurredbeforeshe lefthome aswell as the situation she is likely to find at her destination cause herlittle concern. She is the picture of balance and peace. This is not to say thateverythinginher life isbalancedandpeaceful.Farfromit. Infact,sheisveryworried that her younger brother might be into drugs. She knows he has anappointmentwithhisbosstodayandisindangeroflosinghisjob.Silentlysheoffers a brief prayer that hewill begiven another chance if that is in his bestinterest.Ifhisgettingfiredisthewake-upcallheneeds,shehopesthathewilllearnfromit.Sheisalsoawarethathermother-in-lawhasadoctorappointmenttoday.Whenshenoticesherselffeelingtensebecausetheolderwomanrejectedherofferofhelp,sheletsgoofthatthought.Insteadshereaffirmsthatshecannotcontrolanother’sbehavior.Afterthat,shesendsaninnermessageofpeacetohermother-in-lawandhopesthatthedaygoeswellforher.Whilesheisaboutit,shesends love and peace to her husband who was angry with her this morningbecause she had not insisted on accompanying his mother to the doctor. Shemakesamentalnotetogivehimabackrubafterdinner.Justthenshepullsintotheparkinglotofhercompanyandpreparesforameetingwiththeauditorwhoinformedherthatoneofheremployeesmaybeembezzling.“Well,”shethinks,“thisisachallengeI’veneverhadtofacebefore.I’msuretolearnalot.”

CreatingemotionaldistanceIfweexaminethereactionsofthethreepeopledescribedabove,wemightsaythatthefirsttwoareveryclose,inanemotionalsense,totheirsituationswhilethe third person has the ability to allow some space between her and her life.Thisspacecanbementaloremotionalorevenphysical.Forexample,sheallowsherselftofeelthatthereishopeforherbrotherwhetherornotheloseshisjob.Shedistancesherselffromthesituationenoughthateitheroutcomecanbeseenasagoodone.Herbrother,ontheotherhand,feelsthathislifewillberuinedifhe is fired. She also acknowledges her motherin-law’s right to refuse help.Although our third driver does not actually think hermother-in-law can copewellwiththedoctorvisit,sherealizesthatshecannotforceherselfontheolderwoman. She is aware that her husband is investigating ways to assumemorestewardshipforhismotherthroughlegalprocesses,but,untilthisisinplace,theolderwomanisfreetomakeherowndecisions.Shecanalsoanticipatethatthesituations of both her brother and mother-in-law are apt to evoke some veryunpleasantfeelings inall thefamilymembers, includingherself.Byrehearsingand preparing for her own reactions, she hopes to be calmer when the newdevelopmentsemerge.Thesetypesofthoughtsgiveherperspective,oneofthe

waysshegivesherselfspaceandmorefreedomtochooseherresponses.

Howdidthiswomanlearntostayrelaxeddespiteeventsinherlife?Chancesareshediditforthesamereasonsyouareinterestedindoingit.Shereachedapointwhere her stressful reactions to life began to cause her physical problems.Perhapsshesufferedfrommigraineheadaches,insomnia,orhighbloodpressure.Somepeopleexhibitmentalandemotional symptoms fromstress.Perhaps sheusedtobeirritable,anxious,ordepressedasignificantamountofthetime.Herabilitytoenjoylifebecametaintedwithworryandanxietyregardingthefuture,andshedecidedtodosomethingaboutit.

Regardless of what prompted her to change, we might observe that she hassucceededinmasteringherself.

Whatisstress?Stressisthebody’sreactiontostressors,thoseprovokingeventsthatcauseustobecomedisturbedandfeeloffbalance.Oncewedifferentiatebetweenstressorsandstress,wecanlearntosay,“Ihavemanystressorsbutnotmuchstress.”Ifstressors are outside of us,where is stress? Stress is actually the term for ourphysiologicalresponsetoeventsinourenvironment.Theseeventscanaffectusin thephysical,mental,oremotional level.Forexample,a longlastingcoldorboutwith the flu stresses us physically. An argument stresses us emotionally.Worry and anxiety stress us mentally. Stress is very simply our autonomic(means the same as automatic) nervous system’s response to events.We havetwo nervous systems. One is the set of nerves and impulses that control ourvoluntary functions like posture and movement. This is under our voluntarycontrol. For example, when we decide to move a leg, we do it.Wemay notspendmuch time thinking about it, butwe know thatwe canmake ourselvesmoveaswellasstopourselvesfrommoving.

However, a large number of our bodily processes are not under our voluntarycontrol.Theseincludedigestion,thesecretionofhormonesfromourglands,andthe blood flow though our blood vessels to name a few. These are the veryprocesses most affected by stressors. A stress reaction is nothing but ourorganismperceivingandreactingtodanger.

In primitive life, humans needed to use the extra energy created from stressresponsestodefendthemselves.Theabilitytofleefromwildanimalsorfires,topursueandkilldangerouspreywere lifepreservingactivitiesofour forebears.Today, very few of us encounter life or death challenges on a daily basis.

However, because our minds exaggerate the danger of ordinary events, ourbodiescontinuetorespondintheirprimitivelifepreservingway.Althoughitispossibletobemaimedorevenkilledbyanotherautomobile,carsarenotactuallyouttogetus..Ifadriverbelieveseverycarinhisrangeofvisionispotentiallylethal,hewilldriveinastateofhyper-alertnessandwithaggressionthatkeepshisprimitivelifepreservingjuicesflowingfullforce.Anynumberofeverydayeventscantriggertheautonomicnervoussystemtoturnonfullblast.Situationsatwork,jobinterviews,encounterswithourteenagers,orvisitstothedoctorordentistcausemanypeoplesomuchworryandanxiety that theyshift intohighgearemotionallyandphysiologically.Followingisalistofbodilyreactionsthatoccur during stress, taken from Kenneth Pelletier’s fine work on the subject,MindasHealer,MindasSlayer.

Givemethecouragetochangewhatcanbechanged,theserenitytoacceptwhatcannotbechanged,andthewisdomtoknowthedifference

PhysicalcomponentsofthestressresponseDilatedpupilsTightthroatTenseneckandupperbackShallowrespirationAcceleratedheartrateCool,perspiringhandsAlockeddiaphragmArigidpelviswithnumbgenitals

Allofthesereactionsservetopreserveourbodywhenitisunderattack.Whatisgoingoninternallyisthatbloodflowtotheextremitiesandthegastro-intestinalareaisreducedandmorebloodissenttotheheadandtrunkinordertopreservethemost importantorgans.This isaverygoodadaptationthehumanbodyhasdevelopedinordertosurvivelifethreateningsituations.Theproblemisthatthepaceandintensityofmodernlifehavecausedustocallonthiscapacitymany,manytimesaday.Infact,researchhasshownthatsimplythinkingofatenseorhighly unpleasant situation causes the very same response in the body.Manytimesweexperiencethisstatewithoutevenknowingwhywefeelanxious.So-called subliminal stimuli (those we do not focus on) can produce the stressreaction. Examples of subliminal stimuli are violent or gory images, constantbackgroundnoise,andnoxiousodors.

Howstressmakesyousick

The bodily changes I described above, while necessary to preserve life in anemergency, are very harmful to the body when they occur frequently or aremaintainedforlongperiodsoftime.Thislastpointisworthexploring.Whenourprimitiveforebearsexperiencedtheflight,fight,orfreezeresponse,theydidnotneed to stay in that situation for long.Either they killed thewild animal or itkilledthem.However,inmodernlifeitisnotuncommonforpeopletoliveinamildlystressedstatevirtuallyeverywakingminute.Itisunlikelythattheirsleepwillberestfulafteradayonhyper-alerteither.So,evenatnight,theprocessesofrepairandrecuperationarecompromisedbyastressreactionthatneverletsup.Isitanysurprisethatfeelingtiredisourmostfrequentcomplaintasasociety?WehaveevendevelopedthediseasenamedChronicFatigueSyndrome.

If you look at the list of physical stress reactions listed above, you can easilytranslatethemintodifficultiesthatplague.Complaintslikeneckandbackpain,tenseshoulders,digestiveproblems,menstrualdisordersandsexualdifficulties,cold hands and feet are all symptomatic of the autonomic nervous system’sexcessive involvement. Hypertension, migraine headache, irritable bowelsyndrome are all examples of the body taking on a chronic stressed response.Manypeoplehavemultiplecomplaintsofthissort.

StressandeyediseaseStress is related tomany eye complaints. In his book, TheCure of ImperfectSightbyTreatmentWithoutGlasses,Dr.WilliamBatesstatesthat thecauseofallproblemsisstress.Stressproducestightnessinthemusclesoftheeye.Thistightness in some way blocks the energy flow to the eye and may result indisease.Youmaynotice thatunderstress,youreyebegins toacheoryoumayhavetroublefocusing.Thesesymptomsaretheearlysignsofeyestress.Ifthisisnot dealtwith properly, it can lead to eye disease such as cataract, glaucoma,ARMD,orevenastrokeinvolvingtheeye.Throughoutmyyearsofpractice,Ihave observed patients develop serious eye problems after stress producingevents.Thedeathofalovedone,thelossofajob,retirement,andothereventsmay affect someone so much that the body ‘does not want to see’ what hashappened. This response is then focused in the eye and a visual problemwilldevelop. I have noticed that the death of a loved one may lead to cataractdevelopment.Even the sudden change of retiring or losing a job can result inARMD.Weallrespondtostressdifferently,and,unfortunately,theeyeisoftenthepointofthebodywherethesteamfromthepressurecookerisreleased.

Therelaxationresponse

Overthirtyyearsago,HansSelyewrotethefirstwidelyreadbookaboutstresscalledStressWithoutDistress.Hewasa researcheratHarvardwhoperformedsomeoffirstteststhatmeasuredstressinthebody.Healsosuggestedthatifwecouldengageourstressresponse,perhapswecouldengagesomethinghecalledthe“RelaxationResponse.”Thisreferstoadeliberateandconsciousattempttodelayorslowdownthestressresponseandbringitundervoluntarycontrol.Theconceptinvolvedthreesteps:learninghowtorelaxthebodydeliberately,doingit on a regular basis, and bringing this learned response into play wheneverstressorsareencountered.

Much of Dr. Selye’s work focused on some of the ancient systems of bodilycontrolexhibitedbytheyogisoftheeastwhowerefamousforwalkingonbedsofnailsandswallowingfire.Itturnedoutthattheycoulddothesethingsbecausethey had control over bodily responses and processes thought to be beyondvoluntarycontrol.Theperceptionofpainisanexample.WhileSelyeandotherswho studied this subject were not interested in helping people developextraordinarypowersofyogis,theywantedtohelppeoplegainmorecontroloftheirbodies.

Itturnedoutthatthebreathisthelinkbetweenthepartofournervoussystemwecancontrolandthepartwecannotcontrol.Thinkaboutit.Youcancontrolyourbreath if you choose.However, if youdon’t think about it, or even if you areunconscious,youkeepbreathing.Sincehyperventilationisalsoastressreaction,itwassuggestedthatifthatprocesscouldbebroughtundercontrolthroughslowdeepbreathing, the restof theautonomicnervoussystemwoulddisengage thestressresponse.Therefore,thebreathisconsideredtobeakeytotherelaxationresponse.Mostofusknowthattheremindertotakeabreathorbreatheslowlyinatensesituationcanactuallycalmus.

Asecondkeytorelaxation isvisualization.Biofeedbackisa techniqueused tohelp people control things like intractable pain, migraine headaches, andhypertensionbytrainingthemtofocusontheareainvolvedandrelaxit.DuringBiofeedbacksessions,patientsaremonitoredbyelectronicequipmentandtheirresponses are measured. This allows them to observe their effectiveness incontrollingtheirbodilyprocesses.Forexample,peoplewithmigraineheadachescausedbyconstrictedbloodvesselscanfindrelief if theyfocuson theirhandsgettingwarmer.Thetheoryis that theyareactuallydilatingtheirbloodvesselsthroughout their body. Some people do this by visualizing and others throughtheirkinestheticsense.JustasImentionedthatthinkingaboutastressfuleventcancauseastressreaction,justimaginingarelaxedstatecanproduceit.Youdo

notneedtostudytextsonthebody/mindconnectiontoprovethistoyourself.

Weoweagreatdealtotheearlyresearchdoneintheareaofrelaxation.Infact,all thenewerworkhasbeenbuiltonthisconcept.Thechallengenowisnot toprove thatweneed to learn to relaxvoluntarilyor todemonstrate thatwecanlearn how to do it. The challenge is to convince people that this is not onlyworthwhile, but necessary for their well-being. We cannot control the world.Naturaldisasters,horriblecrimes,accidents,andpersonallosseswillstilloccurwith regularity. I strongly recommend that you review the following ways tolearnhowtorelaxandincorporateoneintoyourlifewithoutdelay.

Sixwaystorelax1.AbdominalbreathingThistechniqueissosimpleandeffectivethatitwillbecomeaddictive.Youwillfindyourselfseekingaquietcornerwhereveryouaretopracticeit.Youdonotneed topurchaseanythingeither!Twiceaday, for15-20minutes, liedownonthefloor,sofa,orbedandbreathedeeplywhilestayingawake.Stretchoutinacomfortablepositiononyourback,bendingyourkneesandputtingyourfeetonthefloor.Placeyourhandsonyourlowerbelly,belowthenavel.Breatheslowlyintoyourabdomensothatyourhandsmoveupanddowngently.Stayawakebutvery relaxed. You may, if you wish, do progressive relaxation. This entailsrelaxingeachpartof thebody in turn from theheaddown.Thiscanhelpyoustayawake.Ofcourse,youdonotneedtofeellikeafailureifyoudodozeoff.Consideryourselfamasterofthepowernap!

2.AffirmationsThismethodofrelaxingiscompletelydifferentfromtheoneabove.Theycanbecombined easily, however.Ourminds are responsible for a lot of our stressedreaction to life. We worry and obsess about the future and about things wecannotcontrolinanyway.Wealsogiveourselvesnegativemessagesaboutourcapabilitiesandappearanceonaregularbasis.Adietofthiserodesself-esteem.Alackofselfesteemcanconvinceusthatwecannotcopewithevents.Youseehowthisproducesanever-endingcycle.

Replace your negative thoughts with a positive thought. If you try to do thiseverytimeyouhaveanegativethought,youwillprobablygetintoarguingwithyourself.Forexample,ifyouwereplanningtoattendaclassreunion,yourmindmight say, “They are all going to notice howmuch you’ve aged.” Then yourmindmust say something like, “I’ve livedmy life aswell as I could, and if Ilookolder, sobe it.”Thenanotherpartofyourmindwill say,“Butyoucould

havelostafewpoundsforthereunion.”Seehowitgoes?Yougetnowhere.Theway to replace your negative thoughts is to come up with a universal,comprehensive, positive statement that is true for you. Once you have thisworkedout,sayittoyourselfallthetime.That’sright:sayitallthetime.Sayitin the shower, driving the car, vacuuming; say it whenever your mind is notconcentrating on somethingworthwhile. Believeme, this is a lot of the time.Onceyoubegintodothis,youwillalsonoticehowuselessandrepetitiousmostofyourthoughtsare.

Youmay have heard the statement that the lateDaleCarnegie is said to haverepeated to himself daily. “Every day in every way, I am getting better andbetter.”Wetendtolaughat thisbecauseitsoundsalittleegotistical.Butthinkabout it.How often dowe tell ourselves just the reverse in constant, nagginginnerchatterfullofdoubtsandnegativity.

Somepeople are able to feel comfortable saying something like, “I alwaysdomybest.”Thisdoesnotmeanyouareperfect;itsimplystatesthetruththatyoudothebestyoucan.Statements like,“Myheart isfullof loveforall”createawonderfulmental atmosphere. If you are spiritually oriented or religious, youcansaysomethinglike,“Iamalwaysguidedandprotected.”Remember:keepitsimple; keep it positive.Donot say something like, “Iwill not thinknegativethoughts.” Rather, say, “My mind now focuses on the positive.” See thedifference?Also,make your affirmation believable. If saying “I respondwithlovetoallaroundme”causesasmall“Oh,yeah?”responseinyourmind,thenstepitdowntosomethingyoucanbelieve.Perhaps,“Ibringmoreloveintomyencounters”feelsmoreappropriate.

Theimportantthingistochooseanaffirmationandgetstartedwithit.Sayitallthetime.WriteitonPost-itnotesandpostthemaroundthehouse.Afterawhile,you will want to change it. Feel free; it is your affirmation. What will thistechnique do for you? First, it takes up mental space so that your negativethoughts have no room. Secondly, it fills themental space with peaceful andpowerfulmessages thatkeep theautonomicnervous system relaxedbecause itdoesnotsenseanydanger.

3.MeditateMeditationisatechniquetoquietthemindandrelaxthebodyonaregularbasis.Forsomepeople, ithasspiritualovertonesbecauseifyouarenotexperiencingyourself as a mind or a body, who are you? People whomeditate come intocontactwiththetimelessandformlesssenseofthemselves.Thisistrulyrelaxing

and highly desirable for many reasons. Although there are many types ofmeditation, all types focus on relaxation through awareness of the breath andemptyingthemindofthoughts.Manypeoplefindthisverydifficulttodo.Iwilltrytogiveyousometipsthatmayrelievethepressureifyouarejustlearningtomeditate. Of course, there are many wonderful meditation teachers who canworkwithyouindividually,andIsuggestyoufindoneifyouaredrawntodoso.It is also true that a form of meditation is usually included in yoga classesbecauseitiseasiertomeditatewhenyouarephysicallyrelaxed.Ifyoulearntodothisinyogaclasses,youcanpracticethesametechniquesathome.

4.RelaxyourbodyPeoplenewtomeditationareusuallydauntedbytheadviceto“sitinarelaxedpostureonthefloorwithyourspinecompletelystraightandyourlegscrossed.”Mostofusdonotspendmuchtimesittingthiswayinourdailylife,anditfeelsuncomfortable.Itisjustfinetositinachair,withapillowsupportingyourback,andyourfeetflatonthefloor.Orsitonthesofaandcrossyourlegs.Thegoalistostayerectandcomfortablewithoutgoingtosleep.

5.Relaxyourmind.Worsethanthefightwiththebodyisthefightwiththemind!Thoughtsseemtocascade through your consciousness just when you want none at all. This isanothergoodtimeforyouraffirmation.Yousee,sophisticatedasitis,yourmindcan only hold one thought at a time. If you are thinking “I amnow relaxed,”thoughtsaboutwhether it is time tochange theoil inyourcarcannot intrude!Withpractice,youwillfindlittleislandsoftimeappearwhenyouarenotsayingyour affirmation and you are not thinking about anything else. That’s great.Consider it naturalwhen yourmind suddenly realizes it has switched off andkicksintohighgearlikeadrowningpersontakingafirstbreath.Justgobacktotheaffirmation.Begentlewithyourself.

6.Controlyourbreath.Wehavealreadydemonstratedtheimportanceofcontrollingthebreathasawaytocontrol the stress response.Controlling thebreath isalsoan integralpartofmeditation.Justasyoumayexperiencemomentswithoutthought,youmayfindthat you require fewer breaths while meditating. You will be able to go forseveralsecondswithoutbreathing.Thisisfineandnormalwhenithappens,butdonotforceit.Focusingonthebreathisawaytocontrolthemind.Sinceitcanhandleonlyonethoughtatatime,ifitisthinkingaboutbreathing,itwon’tthinkaboutanythingelse.

HealingtheeyeevokingrelaxationinsteadofstressAll of the techniques I have described can be considered training. You aretrainingyourbodyandmindtoberelaxedand,ultimately,torelaxoncommand.It is virtually impossible to relax on commandwhen events provoke you, andyouhavenopracticewithrelaxation.However,withdailypracticeincontrollingyour mind and calming your body, you will find that you have a much lessintensereactiontowhateveryourlifepresents.Youwillbegintoexperiencethespaceourthirddriverwasabletoputbetweenherselfandherproblems:peace.

Inthenextchapterwewillexploremethodstorelaxyoureyesspecifically.Themore practice you have in total body relaxation, themore proficient youwillbecomeintheeyeexercises.Keepupthegoodwork.

ChecklistforStepFour√IdentifyyourtypicalstressResponse:

Fight,Flight,orFreeze

√Identifyadailystresstriggerinyourlife.

√Choosearelaxationmethod.

√Relaxconsciouslytwicedaily.

√Memorizethesixwaystorelax:

♦AbdominalBreathing♦Affirmation♦Meditation♦RelaxtheBody.♦RelaxtheMind.♦BreatheConsciously.

StepFive:ExerciseandRelaxYourEyesIn the twopreviouschapters,wehave talkedaboutbuildingadaily routineofgeneralexerciseandrelaxation.NowIwantyoutoenhancethatbyincludingaspecialroutineforyoureyes.Youneednotdoyoureyeexercisesandrelaxationatthesametimeasyourotherworkouts.Infact,youwillfinditreallyeasytobuildtheeyeroutinesintomanyotherpartsofyourday,suchasdrivingorridinginacar,any typeofwaitingexperience,orsitting inalmostanyroomofyourhome at any time in the day. It’s that easy! The important thing is tomake acommitmenttothisanddoit.Iknowyouwillwanttodosoafterreadingtherestofthischapter.

HoweyedoctorscanharmyouNo doubt you are familiar with having your eyesight tested. You enter adarkenedroomwiththeexaminerwhousesaverylargepieceofequipmenttogaze at the inner parts of your eye through the pupil (the black part in thecenter). Tomake the examination gomore smoothly, the doctor puts drops inyour eyes to make the pupil expand, or dilate. This usually makes it verydifficulttofocusonanythingwithclarity.Priortoputtingthedropsinyoureyes,youareusuallyaskedtoreadaneyechartonthewallwithseverallinesofletterswhereeachlowerlinegetssmaller.Dependingonhowmanylinesyoucanread,thedoctorknowshowtoexpressyourvisionintermsofafraction.Ifyourvisionis20/20,itisconsideredperfect.Whatthisactuallymeansisthatatadistanceof20feet,youcanseewhatthetestsubjectscouldseeat20feet.Ifyourvisionis20/40,thismeansthatat20feet,youcanseewhatthesepeoplesawat40feet.Ifitis20/100,theycouldseeat100feet,whatyoucanseeat20feet.Ascoreof20/200andgreater,meansyouarelegallyblind.Afterthemeasurementistaken,youwillbegivenaprescriptionfor‘corrective’lenses,eitherglassesorcontactlensestowearinordertobringyourvisionascloseaspossibleto20/20.

Thiswayoftakingcareofoureyesisrarelychallengedorevenquestioned.Thewhole profession of eye care experts, including ophthalmologists andoptometristsseemstobesowellintentionedandsoprogressive,nottomentioneffective, that for themost partwe follow their recommendations blindly youmightsay.Andtheyareindeedwell-meaningindividuals.ThequestionIbegantoaskmyselfandthatIwouldlikeyoutoaskyourselfisabouteffectiveness.Forexample, corrective lenses really don’t correct anything. They help youcompensatefordefectiveeyesight,butdonothingtohelpyourecoverfromitorstrengthenyoureyes. In fact,mostpeoplewhouseglasses find that theymust

geteverstrongerprescriptionstohelpthemsee.Inotherwords,perhapstheideathatyoucanreverseproblemsinvisionisanewonetoyou.Itisnot,however,anewoneinhistory.

WilliamBateswasborninNewark,NewJersey,in1860.Hewasawelltrainedophthalmologistof thedaywho, inaddition tohispractice, lecturedandwrotearticles. It is in his book,Perfect SightWithout Glasses, that he explains hissimplebutrevolutionarytheoryofvision.Thefoundationofhistheoryrevolvedaroundthesefourstatements,assummarizedbyPeterMansfieldinhisexcellentbook,TheBatesMethod:

♦Normalsightisinherentlyvariable.♦Defectivesightcangetbetteraswellasworse.♦Poorsightandeyediseaseareintimatelyrelated.♦ Eyesight is an important indicator of mental, emotional, and physicalhealth.

I’dliketodiscussthesetenetsoneatatime.Thefirstone–theideathatnormalsight is inherentlyvariable– points tooneof thegreatest flaws inour testingprotocol.Weeyedoctorsliterally‘freeze’apersonintimeandspaceandtakeameasurement of something that, by its nature, is fluid and ever changing. Dr.Batesdemonstrated,usinganearlierversionof theverysameophthalmoscopeweusetoday,thattheeyemakescontinualminusculeaccommodationsinordertosee.Thisexplainswhypeoplearesooftendissatisfiedwiththeireyeglasses.Theyareintendedto‘correct’theeyesightsothatthepersonwearingthemcanseeaneyechartinadarkenedroom.Veryfewlifesituationssimulatetheexamroom conditions.Many people find their glasses too strong to wear in brightlight, for example. Some people feel dizzy when they wear glasses. This isbecausetheglassesworkbestwhenwestarestraightaheadatastationaryobjectandkeepabsolutelystill.

ThesecondradicalstatementBatesmadeisthatdefectivesightcangetbetteraswellasworse.Thismeansthatpersonswhoarenear-sighted(myopic)andfar-sighted (hyperopic) as well as those with other conditions can improve theirvision.Theymaycometoapointwhere theydonotneed theirglassesor thatthey need them only under certain conditions. The distinction is betweensomethingthat isamechanicalaidvs.somethingthat ispartof theiranatomy!Oneofthewaysthishappensis throughstrengtheningthemusclesinvolvedinsightandtheotherisinretrainingtheeyestoseemoreeffectively.

IfyouhaveARMD,youknowthatpoorsightanddiseaseareintimatelyrelated.

But,ifyouareamongthemanypeoplewhohadmyopiaformanyyearsbeforedevelopingARMD,Ibetyouneverthoughtofyournearsightednessasadisease.Yetwe now know thatmyopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, lazy eye,and crossed eyes are all conditions that reveal fundamental weakness in theaffected eyes.We also know that these conditions can be reversed to a greatextentthroughvisiontrainingandtheothertechniquesBatesrecommended.

Lookingatthelasttenet,thateyesightandoverallhealthareintimatelyrelated,givesushope.Healingtheeyehealsthewholeperson.That’swhyIcansaywithassurancethatfollowingthetwelvestepssuggestedinthisbookwillprovideyouwiththehighestlevelofhealthyouhaveeverhad!

ThedifferencebetweeneyesightandvisionI strongly suggest that you read one of the booksmentioned in the resourcessectionforthischapterinordertomorefullygrasptherevolutionaryideasofDr.Bates.Fortunatelyhetranslatedhiscomplextheoriesintopracticalexercisesthatare very easy to do and thatwillworkwhether or not you know the theoriesbehind them. However, there is just one theory that seems very important toexplainbeforeIgiveyoutheexercisesforvisiontraining.This is theideathateyesight and vision are entirely different. Eyesight is the measurement thatresults from the testing procedure described above.Nodoubt you are familiarwiththisandmostlikelyknowwhatyoureyesightmeasuresineacheye.Now,ifwetooktwopeoplewiththesameeyesightandputthemthroughaseriesoftestsof their vision, I am willing to bet that their ability to see would differsignificantly.Thisisbecauseseeingorvisionisaresultofmuchmorethanthemechanicsoftheeye.Itincludesmemory,experience,andemotions.Itisalsoafunctionofhowrelaxedyouareatanyonetimeandhowacceptingyouareofwhatyou see.Exploring the roleof all these factors is theapproachDr.Batestookandisthebasisofthetechniquesofvisiontrainingthatarewidelyavailabletoday.Iwanttoemphasizehowempoweringthisunderstandingofthedifferencebetweeneyesight andvisioncanbe toyou.Youmayhave the experience thatmanyofmypatientshavehad.Theydo their exercises faithfullyanddiscoverthat theycanseemuchbetter.When theycomeback tomeforanexam,I tellthem that their eyesight is the same.Thatmeans that theyare still reading thesamelineinthechart.However,Ifullybelieveitwhentheytellmethattheycanseebetter,becauseInowunderstandthatthereisalotmoretoseeingthanmeetstheeye!

AldousHuxleymeetsDr.Bates

Youmaybesurprisedtolearnthatoneofthegreatphilosophersofthiscentury,AldousHuxley,benefitedenormously from themethodof eye treatment that Iwill be describing in this chapter.Mr.Huxley’s eye problemswere due to anacuteinfectionthatlefthimblindforeighteenmonthsandwiththemostlimitedvisionafterthat.Eventhatbegantofailinlateryears.Indesperation,hebeganwork with a vision training specialist, a womanwho was an associate of Dr.BatesandafounderoftheBatesMethod.Afterseveralmonths,Mr.Huxleywasreadingwithoutglassesandhadmuchimprovedhisvision.Problemsoftwenty-five years’ duration were improving. In gratitude for his own experience, hewroteTheArtofSeeingin1942(nowoutofprint,unfortunately)whichrelatesthe Bates Method of visual education with modern psychology and criticalphilosophy.The followingquotation fromhisprefacegivesan ideaofhowhesawthisworkin thecontextofstandardmedicalpracticeofhisday,overfiftyyearsago.ThefollowingpassageistakenfromTheArtofSeeing.

Why, itmaybeasked,haveophthalmologistsfailedtomaketheseapplicationsof universally accepted principles? The answer is clear. Ever sinceophthalmology became a science, its practitioners have been obsessivelypreoccupiedwithonlyoneaspectof the total,complexprocessofseeing– thephysiological.Theyhavepaidattentionexclusivelytoeyes,notatalltothemindwhichmakes use of the eyes to see with. I have been treated bymen of thehighesteminenceintheirprofession,butneveroncedidtheysomuchasfaintlyhint that theremight be amental side to vision, or that theremight bewrongwaysofusingtheeyesandmindaswellasrightways,unnaturalandabnormalmodesofvisualfunctioningaswellasnaturalandnormalones.

Perhapsyourexperiencehasbeen thesameasHuxley’s.Upuntilnow,noonehassuggestedthat theremightbeabetterwaytouseyoureyes.Welcometoanewworld.Iamgoingtooutlineasimplevisiontrainingprogramthatyoucanbegindoingtoday,inyourownhome,withoutpurchasinganything!Iknowyouwillfindthatyourabilitytoseeimproves.

ExerciseandrelaxyoureyesvisiontherapyIn the following sections, I am going to describe some simple and highlyenjoyable techniques for stabilizing and improving your vision. These areadapted from the techniques outlined byWilliamBates. As you approach thetask of adopting these as part of your lifestyle, remember that there are threestages. In the first stage,your taskwillbe to learn the techniques.Thereareanumberofwaystohelpyourselfdothis.Youmightrecordtheinstructionsonatape recorder as you read through them. Speak slowly, and then play the tape

backforyourselfasyouusethetechniques.Sincethesetechniquesaregoodforavarietyofeyeproblemsaswellasforgeneraleyehealth,askafamilymemberorfriendtodothemwithyou.Thenyoucanreadtheinstructionstoeachother,doublingtheeffectofyoureffort.

Thenextstateof involvementwith the techniques is the initialperiodof rapidprogress.Yourpooreyeshavebeenstarved,inasense,forthetypeofrelaxationand stimulation these techniques provide. Naturally, they are apt to respondrapidly during the first fewmonths ofworkouts.After this, youwill probablyreachaplateauwhereyoucanmaintainthegainsyouachieved,butdonotseemuchmoreimprovement.Thisisagoodtimetostabilizeyourongoingprogramandworkitintoyourlifeonadailybasis.Afteratimeattheplateaustage,youwill most likely reach a point where you find yourself making noticeableprogress again. Remember, just like exercising and relaxing the body, thesetechniquesaremeanttobecomepartofyourlifeforever!

TheBatesexercisesandARMDTraditionalBatesexercisesformasoundbasisforworkingwithretinaldamageespecially of the kind found in ARMD. The combination of stimulation andrelaxation in sunning and palming complement the stimulation andmovementfoundinthepracticesofswingingandshifting.Itverycommonlyhappensthatoneeyeisaffectedearlierortoagreaterextentthantheother.Lossofsightinoneeyeofcoursecanbeanevengreatercauseofstrainthanthelossofacuityperse,especiallyifthedominanteyeismostaffected

The adaptations of Dr Bates’ approach which I have developed address theproblemsofunequalbinocularvision.BesidesARMD,thesehaveprovedusefulinmanycasesofotherconditionssuchasamblyopia(uniocularandbinocular),cataract,strabismus,andallformsofrefractiveerror.

EyerelaxationandfocusingexercisesIamindebtedforsomeofthefollowinginformationtoPeterMansfield,oneofEurope’s most distinguished Bates Vision Teachers. Peter is Secretary of theBates Association for Vision Education and Director of the School of VisionEducationinEngland,andteachesprivatelyinBrightonandLondon.Hisbook,The BatesMethod, (1992) is published in the USA by Charles Tuttle and inEngland by Random House. His new book, Seeing: A Handbook of VisionEducation,isplannedforpublicationin2000.

Do all the following exerciseswithoutwearing your glasses or sunglasses, in

goodlight.Yourglassesorcontactlensespreventyoureyesfromreachingtheircapacity by bringing things to them. The purpose of the techniques describedbelow is to enhance your eyes’ ability to see. At first you may feel anxiouswithoutyourglasses,especially ifyouare in thehabitofwearing themall thetime.Besurethatyoufeelsafeandsecureandarenotrequiredtodoanythinglikedriveorcookorwatchoverayoungchildwhileyouaredoingyourvisiontrainingtechniques;thiswillreduceyouranxiety.Allthreeexercises–palming,sunning, and swinging – should be done for 10 to 15minutes twice a day ormorefrequentlyifyourdoctoradvisesit.

PalmingThepurposeofthistechniqueistoprovidetotalrestfortheeyes.Onceyouhavedonepalmingforawhile,youwillbebetterable tofeeleyestrain.Allpeoplewithimpairedsightstraintheireyesintheirattempttoseebetter.Palmingallowsyou to develop a relaxed sense so that the other exercises can proceed moresmoothly.

Palmingisdonewhilesittingatatablewiththeeyesclosed.Resttheelbowsonthe table andposition slightly ‘cupped’handsover the eyes,withyour fingerscrossed on the forehead. The elbows should be supported so that the back iscomfortably straight and so that there is no undue pressure on the neck,shouldersandarms.Beawarealsooftheimportanceofthepositionofthefeetinachievingarelaxedandcomfortableposture.

Palmingisanexcellentwaytorestandhealyoureyes.Youhaveeverythingyouneed with you at all times. I have seen remarkable results in terms of visionimprovement in patients who have done this exercise as their only form oftreatment. Anyone can practice it, and it is highly recommended as away ofpreventingseriouseyedisease.

Do not touch your eyeswith your hands. The hands touch only the bony eyesockets. All light is sealed out. In this way, you will begin to recognize thefeeling of relaxed eyes. There may be firm contact between hands and face(avoid excessive pressure) but none at all between hands and eyes. Do thisexerciseatleasttwiceaday,workinguptofifteenminuteseachtime.Itisworthexperimentingverycarefullytofindthebestpositionasaverysmalldifferenceintheheightofsupportcanhaveabigeffectoncomfort.

QuickPalmingQuick Palming is a variation on the palming technique which is particularlysuitableforARMDpatients.Itavoidsanyriskofinadvertentlyputtingsustainedpressureontheeyesandcombinesstimulationwithrelaxation.Sitrelaxedwiththe eyes closed. Place the hands, palm upwards, in the lap. Feel the flow ofenergy from the eyes through the face and neck, down the arms and into theupturned hands. Feel the connection between the open palms and the eyes,wantingtocompletethecircuit.Continuetofeelthatenergeticconnectionasyou

slowly raise the hands to the face, sitting upright and using the arms,withouthunchingthebody.Letthehandsapproachthefaceveryslowly,sothatitfeelslike a sunset as they eventually wrap around bringing warmth and darkness.Hold the hands in position just as long as it is comfortable. Before the armsbegintotire,releasethepalmsfromtheeyesandagainslowlyreturnthehandstothelap.Repeatasoftenandforaslongasyoufeelthatitishelpful.

SwingingThe‘longstandingswing’isarguablythemostimportantsinglepracticeintheBatesMethod. It teaches overall relaxation and helps break the weaker eye’shabitofstaringfixedlyatapoint.Swingingproducestheillusionthatobjectsaremoving. Repeated exposure to this phenomenon of apparent movement willencourageasenseoffreemobilityandimprovedvision.

Standwith feet shoulder-width apart. Be sure to wear comfortable supportiveshoes.Allowyourarms tohangnaturallyatyour side. Inonemovement, turnyourupperbodyfromthewaistsothatyouarefacingtooneside.Thisisa90degreeturnofthebody.Keepyourheadandneckalignedwithyourshoulders.Eyes are always looking straight ahead. Immediately twist back to startingposition,andthento theotherdirection.Asyouswing,shiftyourweightfromonefoot to theother.Themovementshouldnotbegreater thanninetydegreesfrom the straight aheadposition, andmaybe less if the fullmovement causesdiscomfort.

Aslightvariationonthesimpleswingistousethethumbasareferencepoint.Todothis,followthedirectionsabove,butholdyourarminfrontofyouwithyour thumbup.Lookatyour thumbwhiledoing theswing.Thiswillenhancethesensationofapparentmovementasyourthumbappearstostaystillwhilethebackgroundismoving.

SWINGING-RIGHTANDLEFTSIDES

Swinging ishighlyeffective inhelpingpersonswithARMD learn to focusonthe details of an object or figure by providing them with the consciousexperienceoftheillusionthatobjectsmovewhenwemovetheheadorbody.Itisalsoveryhelpfulinimprovingcoordinationandbalance.

AVARIATIONOFSWINGING-FOCUSONYOURTHUMB

Focusing on your thumbwhile swinging is one of themost effectiveways totrainyoureyestoseeobjectsagainstabackground.

Thisexercisemustbetriedbeforeitspowercanbeexperienced.

ExerciseandrelaxyoureyessunningSunningisanexercisethatisverysoothingandeasytodo.Itisbestdoneoutofdoorsonasunnyday,butitcanbedoneonacloudydayoutsideorevenwhilelookingoutawindow.Sunninghelpstorebuildtheretinawhileitimprovesyourpsychologicalandemotionalstate.Italsoaccustomstheeyetolightandreducesphotosensitivity.Someexpertsadvisesunningwithopeneyes.

Idonotadvisethisunderanycircumstances.

Sunning should be donewith firmly closed eyes. Then, while facing the sun,slowlyturnyourheadfromsidetoside.Asyouturnyourheadyouwillseethe

imageofthesunmoveacrossyourclosedeyelids.Itisprobablybesttodothisexerciseintheearlymorningwiththerisingsunorintheeveningwhenthesunissetting.youshouldavoidthehoursbetween11:00a.m.and2:00p.m.whenthesun isat itsbrightest.Sunningshouldalwaysbe followedbyabriefperiodofpalming.

Sunningshouldbeapproachedgentlyatfirst.Buildtoacomfortableleveluntilyouaredoingittwicedailyfortenminutesatatime.Itispossiblethatatsomepointvivid ‘after-images’will beproducedby sunning.This isnot aproblem.Theimagescanprovideastrongfocusfortheattentionandbeveryrelaxing,butpalmingshouldbecontinueduntiltheimageshaveentirelydisappearedandthefieldhasreturnedtonormal.

SlowandrapidblinkingThisisasimplewaytoquicklyrelaxyoureyesanywhere,anytime.Itincreasestheproductionoftears,andtearsdelivernutrientsaswellasmoisturetotheeye.Bothareneededforgoodsight.Relaxbyfocusingonyourbreath.Blinkfreelyandoften.Occasionallysqueezeyoureyesshutforafewseconds.Thisallowsthemtorestandshiftfocus.Alternateyourrhythmofblinkingsothatyoudoitslowlyandrapidly.

Squeezeblinkinghelpsyouproducetearswheneveryouneedthemtolubricateyoureyesaswellasbathingyoureyesinnutrients.Squeezeyoureyesshutforthecountofthree.Openyoureyeswide.Relaxtheeyesandblinkafewtimes.

AcupressureAcupressureisaformofincreasingtheenergyflowtotheinnereyebyapplyinglightpressureandfingermassage tocertainpointsaround theperipheryof theeye. Itcanbedonebeforeorafterpalming.Youwill find theseexercisesverysoothing and pleasant. There are many variations of this approach, but I amgoingtomakeitsimpleforyoutolearnandremember,inthehopethatyoudothisoften.

ThefollowingsuggestionsaretakenfromtheworkofDeborahBanker,MD,anophthalmologist who practices in Malibu, California. She offers acomprehensive andholistic approach to treating eye disease. She recommendsregulardailymassageofthebonyridgearoundtheeyeaswellastheentirefaceandheadasawaytoquicklybrightenthevision.Itisnotsoimportanttoknowwhere thepressurepoints are located exactlybecause theywill be included inanykindoffacial,head,andneckmassage.Theideaistobeginwithamassage

aroundtheeyesocket,moveoutwardineverwideningcirclestotherestofthefaceandneck,andthenmassagethescalpandbackoftheheadandneck.

The first massage requires stimulating the bony ridge around the eye socket.Therearethreefingerpositionsthatmakethiseasyandpleasanttodo.Youcanusealittleblandmassageoil,orevenoliveoil,takingcarenottogetanyintheeye.

First:Massagethepointsattheinnercornersofyoureyeswithyourthumbs.Besureyourhandsarecleanandyournailsareshort.

Second:Placeyourthumbsattheoutercornersofyoureyesandlightlymassagealongyoureyebrowswiththesidesofyourindexfingers.

Third:Using thepadsof your index fingers or thumbs, gentlypress along thelowercircleofbonesunderyoureyes, from theoutercorner to the inner, inamotionthatcontinuesthesecondstepabove.Becausethistissueisverydelicate,youmaynotwanttostretchitwithmassage.

Continuetomassagearoundyoureyeinever-wideningconcentriccirclesuntilyouhavemassagedyourwholefaceandneckarea.

Then, in the same basic direction, move over your whole eye area, andeventuallyyourwholefaceineverwidening,concentricmotions.Continueuntilyouhaveincludedyourhairline,theareainfrontofyourears,andyourneckinthesesweepingcircles.

Finally, using your fingers like claws, sweep through your hair and scalp andbackof theneck incircularmotions.Thiswillmost likely feelverygoodandinvigorating.Youmightaskapartnerorfriendtodothislaststepforyou,ifyourrangeofmotioninyourarmsislimited.

WhattoExpectPeterMansfieldstates:Ihavenodoubtthatasuccessfulsolutiontotheproblemof ARMD will only be found by a holistic approach which addresses thephysical,emotional,dynamicandmentalaspectsoftheperson’shealth.Thiswill

obviouslyincludeworkingdirectlyonthevisionandsofar,theBatesapproachwiththemodificationsIhavedescribed,isanexcellentwaytobringaboutrealimprovement,withnopain,nodanger-notevenverymucheffort-justalotoffun.

Hopefullyyoureyeexercisesandrelaxationfeelsogoodthatyouwilldothemwithoutexpectationofresults.Mostofmypatientstellmethat,oncetheybeginthese techniques, they feel so right that they have little trouble sticking to aregimen.IalsorecognizethatpersonswithARMDareapttofeelanxiousaboutpreservingandimprovingtheirvision.Theeffectofthevisiontherapyisliketheeffectoftherelaxationresponse.Itisaformoftraining,doneinarelaxedstate,that has a ‘payoff’ under stressful conditions. In terms of vision, stressfulcondition can include times of emotional tension as well as attempts to seethingsbeyondone’srangeofvision.Youmayfindthatreadingsimplybecomeseasier. Often patients tell me that when they are reading something that wasformerlydifficult,theymay‘freeze’upwiththesuddenawarenessthattheyareseeingbetter, and then the lettersbluragain.This isa time topalmandblink.Manypeoplereporthavingflashesofextraclearvisionatrandomtimes.Theselittle‘gifts’showyouthatyourvisionisimprovingevenifthisdoesnotshowuponyournexteyeexam.

Trustyourself!

ChecklistforStepFive√LearntoPalm,anddoitdaily.

√BegintoSwingeveryday.

√UseRapidBlinkingtorelaxyoureyes.

√FindtheAcupressurepointsaroundyoureyes.

√Combinethesestepswiththesixwaystorelax.

♦AbdominalBreathing♦Affirmation♦Meditation♦RelaxtheBody♦RelaxtheMind♦BreatheConsciously

StepSix:FeedYourMaculaforBetterSightInthefirstchapterIattemptedtogiveyouapictureofthephysiologyoftheeyeandhowmaculardegenerationaffectstheeye.Iamnowgoingtoexplainthisinmore detail in order to help you understand some of the nutritionalrecommendationsIwillmakeinthisandthefollowingchapters.Firstofall,thecompletenameofthemaculaisthemaculalutea.Thismeansyellowspot,anditis a bright yellow spot, about twomillimeters in diameter in the center of theretina,whichisabout20mmindiameteritself.Themaculaislikeabull’seyethathasthejobofprovidingcentralvisionandcolorvision.

Ifyouhaveeverhadasuntan,orifyouhavefrecklesormoles,youhaveseenevidenceoftheeffectofmelanininyourskin.Melaninisapigmentintheskin;the amount you have is genetically determined. Dark skinned people have anabundanceofmelaninwhilepalepeoplehavelittle.Thepurposeofmelaninistoprotectyourskinfromtheharmfuleffects,orburn,fromthesun.Similarly,thereis a pigment in the eye that serves the same purpose. This is called thexanthophyll pigment. Its two forms are lutein and Zeaxanthin. These yellowpigments are actually hidden in leafy green vegetables.When the leaves turnyellowor orange in autumn, they are ‘revealing’ the xanthophyll pigment thatwas obscured by chlorophyll. Certain green vegetables also turn yellow ifallowedtoage.Perhapsyouhaveseenanicefreshbunchofkaleturnyellowinyourvegetablebin.

EatcolorfulfoodstoenhanceyoureyepigmentThejobofthesepigmentsistoabsorbtheblueraysofsunlightsothattheydonot burn the delicate tissues of the retina. While we are given a fairly goodsupply of them as children,most of us begin to lose xanthophyll pigments asearly as the twenties or thirties.Daily consumption of leafy green vegetables,notablyspinach,kale,mustardandcollardgreenskeepsoureyessuppliedwithxanthophyll pigments. It is now understood that eating these foods is moresignificantformacularhealththanistheconsumptionofbetacarotenes.

The good news is that research has shown that eating food rich in thexanthophyll pigments immediately increases the amount measurable in yourblood,andsoonafter,theamountseeninthemaculaoftheeye.Theamountinthemaculaismeasuredbymaculapigmentdensity.Pigmentinmaculacorrelatestothehealthof themacula.Diminishingcolorvisionoccurswhenthepigmentdensity decreases. This is one of the early signs ofARMD.Because smoking

seriously reduces both xanthophyll pigment levels in the blood aswell as thepigmentdensityofthemacula,itisimperativetostopsmokingnowifyouhopetohealyoureyedisease.TherehasbeenalotofscientificdocumentationabouttherelationshipbetweenARMDandsmoking.Smokingisassociatedwithasixfold increase in the likelihoodofdeveloping thecondition.SecondhandsmokehasalsobeenimplicatedinARMDdevelopinginspousesofsmokers.

TwotypesofpigmentLutein and zeaxanthin are the names of the specific carotenes required by themacula.Thebetacarotenes,whicharemorefamiliartotheAmericanpublic,arefound in carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes, and a host of other root andtuberousvegetablesaswellas fruit. Justaboutanyrichlycoloredproduce isasourceofbetacarotene.Whilethesefoodsandtheirnutrientsarevitalforoverallhealth, includingprotection fromcancer, it seems that thecarotenes luteinandzeaxanthin are themost important for eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin havebeenfoundtobepresentinabundanceinjustafewspecificfoods.Theseare,intheorderoftheamountofluteinandzeaxanthintheycontain:

Whenthesefoodsareeaten,luteinandzeaxanthinaredepositedinthelungs,andthe lens and macula of the eye. The fact that they are deposited in the lensdemonstrates their ability to protect against and reverse cataracts. Sincemanypeople have both ARMD and cataracts, or a tendency to cataracts, thesepowerfulnutrientsareadoubleboon.GraceHalloran,authorofAmazingGrace,and a world renowned vision instructor, observes that when there is aninsufficient supply of lutein and Zeaxanthin, the body will deposit availableamountsinthelungsandstarvetheeyessincethelungsaremoreimportantforsustaining life than are the eyes. This sparing by the body is completelyunnecessarywhenenoughlutein-containingfoodisconsumedonadailybasis.Isay,Lettheeyeshaveit!Eatenoughofit.

Luteinandzeaxanthinare thedominantpigments in the retina. It ispostulatedthat they filter out harmful blue light rays from the rays that reach the retina.Other light, notably ultraviolet light, is filtered out by the cornea and lens.Aretinadensewithluteinandzeaxanthincanbetterhandlethistask.Theresultsofsupplementation and consumption of more lutein and zeaxanthin is enhancedvisualsensitivity,sharpercolorvision,lesseyefatigueandstrain,bettercontrast,andbetternightvision.

ResearchonluteinandzeaxanthinManystudieshavebeendoneinanattempttoshowtherelationshipbetweentheconsumption of lutein and zeaxanthin and the development of maculardegeneration.Themostconclusivethingthathasbeenprovenis that there isadirectcorrelationbetweeneatingluteinrichfoodsandmacularhealth.Onestudylookedat thepastdietaryhabitsofpeoplewhoatea lot foodcontaining luteinand zeaxanthin as well as those who did not and attempted to determine theimpactofthedietsofeachgrouponthedevelopmentofARMD.Theoutcomeofthisstudywasmostinteresting.ItdeterminedthatindividualswhohadahistoryofconsuminglotsoffoodswithluteinandzeaxanthinreducedtheirlikelihoodofdevelopingARMDby86%.

Thesecondstudydividedalargegroupofpeopleintotwogroupsandgaveeachgroup a different diet. The first group ate a lot of foods with lutein andzeaxanthin, and the secondgroup at very little of those foods.This studywasused tomeasure whether eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin producedelevatedlevelsofthesecarotenoidsintheirbloodstream.Itdid.

It was also demonstrated that people who ate the lutein-rich diet had ameasurablythickermacula.

AreportintheJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA)foundthatadultswhoconsumetheequivalentoffiveservingsofspinachperweekreducetheir risk of developing macular degeneration by 57%. How does this affectthose who already have the condition? Although we cannot answer this forcertain,itseemsreasonabletoassumethatthesenutrientshaveahugeimpactonthehealthandfunctioningoftheretina.Therefore,itseemsprudenttoaddtheminquantitytoyourdiet.

Followingarefourstatements thatcanbemadeabout therelationshipbetweendietaryluteinandzeaxanthinandmaculardegeneration:

1. Eating foodswith lutein and zeaxanthin increases the amount of lutein and

zeaxanthinavailabletothebody.

2.Eatingfoodswithluteinandzeaxanthinthickensmacularpigment.

3.AnincreaseinmacularpigmentreducestheriskofARMD.

4. Eating foods with lutein and zeaxanthin reduces the chance of developingARMD.

RememberTheseFacts!!

If you already haveARMD, the addition of these nutrientswill help stabilizeyour vision at its present level. Itmay help you regain some of the sight youhave lost by optimizing the functioning of the healthy parts of your macula,includingcells thathavebeennutritionally starved fordecades. Itwill alsosetthe stage to enhance the effectiveness of any of the other techniques I willdescribe in the final chapters of the book. Your success with them is highlydependentonimprovingnotonlyyouroverallhealth,butthehealthofyoureyetissuesandcells.

AgreendietI realize that the typical American diet contains very little of the foods nowconsideredvital toeyeaswellasoverallhealth.NofastfoodIhaveeverseencontains leafy green vegetables or broccoli. In fact, aside from anemic lettuceandtomatoes,fastfoodcontainsverylittleinthewayofvegetables.Spinachcanbeorderedatmostrestaurants,buttheothertypesofvegetablesarerarelyseenon a menu. Once again, I need to emphasize the benefits of home cooking.Eating at least one home cooked meal each day is the only way to ensureconsuming the necessary quantities of greens. In addition to eating one homecookedmeal,Iurgeyoutolunchonleftoversfromthismeal.Adoptthehabitofeatingsoupforbreakfast if itagreeswithyou.Witha littlediscipline,youcaneasilyconsumethreetofiveservingsofvegetablesandfruitbylunchtime.

LeafygreensruleYou will need to become creative at preparing daily servings of green leafyvegetablesifyouwishtoimprovethehealthofyoureyes.Greenscookedwithgarlicandonionsoftenappealmorereadilythanthosepreparedplain.However,remember to avoid cooking methods that kill the vital carotenes. Do not frygreens. Sauté, steam, or gently bake them in their own juices. Although theymaynotwinpopularitycontestsatthedinnertable,allmembersofyourfamilywillbenefitfromthischangeinyourdiet.

NowthatIhavemotivatedyoutoeatfoodforyourmacula,Iwanttoemphasizetheimportanceofbeingabletodigestit.Manypeople,particularlytheagedandthose with chronic illness, have impaired bowel function. This means thatnutrients from food pass throughwithout being absorbed in your bloodstreamandcirculatedtotheorgansandtissuesthatneedthemsodesperately.Onewaytosupportthedigestionofcaroteneistotakeyoursupplementswithfoodsincethey require fat enzymes to break them down. Alternatively you can takedigestiveenzymeswiththem.Luteinandzeaxanthinshouldnotbetakenatthesametimeasotherbetacarotenesupplementssincetheabsorptionof theothertypesofcarotenescaninterferewiththeabsorptionofluteinandzeaxanthin.

DetoxifyAtoxicconditionresultsfromthebuildupofcellularwasteinthebody.Thisisexactlywhatcausesmaculardegeneration.Therefore,itisreasonabletoassumethat waste clearing processes have slowed down or ceased throughout yoursystem.Traditionalmeansofdetoxifying includedenemas, saunas, fastingandtheuseofcolonicstoridthebodyofwastethroughthenormalchannelsofthecolon and skin. Fortunately, research into the dynamics of detoxification haveresulted in the production of organ stimulating supplements that are highlyeffectiveinriddingthebodyofwastesandsettingthestageforoptimalnutrition.

SupplementwithluteinSincetherecentdiscoveryoftheimportanceofluteinandzeaxanthinonmacularhealth,many nutritional supplements containing themhave been formulated. Iurge everyonewithARMD to include these supplements in their daily diet inadditiontothedietaryadditionoflutein-richfood.Foodisstillthebestsourceoflutein, and supplements do just that – add to the available level of nutrients.Lutein is found in abundance inmarigolds and sunflowers and protects theseplantsfromsundamage.Theseflowersprovidethesourceoftheluteinusedinsupplements.Because zeaxanthin ismade from lutein, only a small amount isneededasasupplement.Itisadvisabletotakesupplementscontainingluteinattimes other than the time you take beta carotene supplements to enhanceabsorption of the lutein. However, when eating foods rich in lutein andzeaxanthin, it is fine to mix your greens with squash and tomatoes because,whentheyareabsorbedfromfood,allthebetacarotenesworkwelltogether.

Luteinsupplementationshouldbebetween10and20milligramsdaily.Formypatients,IrecommendaproductcalledOcularFunctionSpray.

Thisisaspraythat is takenorallytwiceaperday.Itcontainslutein,zinc,and

bilberry,anherbthatisvitaltogoodvision.Inaddition,OcularFunctionSprayhasvimpocetine,andVitaminE.Vimpocetineisderivedfromperiwinkleseed.When 100 patients with arteriosclerosis and eye disorders were treated withvimpocetine, 88 percent had an increase in retinal circulation and improvedvision.Thisformula:

♦increasesbloodflowtothebrain♦improvestheutilizationofoxygenandglucose♦increasestheturnoverofnorepinephrineandserotonin.

Theadvantageofusingasprayformofnutrientisthatthenutrientsareabsorbedimmediately into thebloodstreamwhen the liquid is left in themouth for twominutes. This means that even those with poor digestion can receive the fullimpactofthenutrients.

Howsoonshouldyouexpecttonoticeresultsfromaddinglutein-richfoodsandsupplements to your diet? Many people will notice improvement after six toeightweeks. Somewill see improvement earlier, while othersmay not noticemuch improvement for ninetydaysor so.The important thing is to begin andmaintain. Do not stop after just a short time because there are no dramaticchanges.Remember:yourconditionprobablybegandevelopingdecadesbeforeyou noticed it. It is normal for it to take a while to respond to these healthenhancingmeasures.Youcannot losebecausethesefoodsandsupplementsarethe same as those recommended to protect against cancer and heart disease.Theyareboundtoenhanceyouroverallvitalitysignificantly.Pleasereadontoseewhatelseyoucandotohealyourvision!

ChecklistforStepSix√Memorizethelistoffoodsthatfeedyoureyes

√Introduceonenewfoodfromthislistperweekintoyourdiet

√ Order Pure FocusTM and give it a try. (See Resources for orderinginformation)

StepSeven:SupplementYourDietDoyouneedsupplements?Many people insist that they can get all their nutrients from food. “If Godwantedmetotakevitamins,Hewouldhavemadeavitaminpill” typifiestheirthinking.TheAmericanpublichaslongbeentoldbythemedicalprofessionthatallthenutrientstheyrequireareavailablethrougha‘gooddiet’andthatvitaminsdonothingbutcreateexpensiveurine.Thetruthisthatmostdoctorsknowverylittleaboutnutrition.Virtuallynothing is taught inmedicalschools.At leastatthetimeIattended,theemphasiswasoncuringdiseasenotpreventingit.Whilepharmaceutical companies were loud and clear in promoting the benefits ofdrugsofeverytype,weneverheardfromrepresentativesofvitamincompanies.Infactweweretaughttoregardthewholehealthfoodandsupplementfieldwithscorn. As a youngmedical student, however, I had the unique opportunity ofdoingathreemonthnutritionalrotationattheUniversityofCaliforniaatDavis.HereIlearnedaboutthebenefitsofsupplementingthediet.

I nowknow that pharmaceutical companieshave an interest inmakingpeopletakemedicineandinencouragingdoctorstowriteprescriptions.Theyareamongthe most profitable industries in our country. On the other hand, if we weretaught to focus on prevention and health maintenance, including the use ofvitaminsandminerals,pharmaceuticalcompaniesmightnotbesoprofitable.Itseems to me that it is a lot safer to have some Vitamin C wash out of yoursysteminyoururine than toaccept thesideeffectsofvirtuallyallprescriptiondrugs.

Anotherimportantfactorinthecampaignagainstsupplementsisthatwereallydon’tknowhowmuchofanynutrientpeopleneedtobehealthyinourcurrentenvironment. The government has established something called the RDA –Recommended Daily Allowance of the major vitamins and minerals. Theseamounts,however,weredevelopedbydetermininghowmuchof thesubstancewas needed to prevent disease. The RDA for Vitamin C, for example, is theamount required toprevent scurvy.These studiesweredoneonyounghealthypersonsmanyyearsagobeforewehadtocontendwithourdenaturedfoodandenvironmental toxins. In a diseased state the requirements of vitamins areincreased.Thedamagedorinjuredcellsaretryingtorepairthemselvesandneedmorenutrients.

A third reason why supplements have been controversial is that, until recent

decades, there were no studies that demonstrated how valuable they were.Pharmaceutical companies had no financial incentive to perform studies on aproduct that theycouldnotpatent.Doctorsbelieve in studiesbecause theyarescientificallyacceptable.SonowwehavestudiesshowingtheroleofVitaminCinprotectingagainstmanydiseases;VitaminEprotectingagainstheartdisease,andanherb,St.John’sWort,helpingwithdepression.

Ifirmlybelievethatitisprudentforalmosteveryonetosupplementtheirdiet.Itcertainlyisnecessaryforpersonswhoareaged,whohaveachronicillness,whoare exposed to toxins or other environmental hazards, who handle stressfulsituations poorly, and who have a family history of heart disease, cancer, ordiabetes.Iaddseriouseyediseasetothislist,ofcourse.ThisiswhyIcansafelysaythatvirtuallyeveryoneneedstotakesupplements.Theamountandparticularmix of supplements for an individual depends on age, overall health, familyhistory,andanyearlysignsofdegenerativedisease.

SupplementdosageIhave justexplainedhowtheRDAdosageofsupplements isdetermined.Thislevelofnutritionalsupplements is toolowforalmosteveryone.Sinceyouwillbeusingnutrientslikemedicine,youneedtotakelargeramountsofthenutrientsrecommended in this chapter.After explaining eachnutrient, Iwill sharewithyou a formula that contains an adequate amount of each one. Taking thisformula, or a similar one, will ensure that you receive sufficient amounts ofeveryindicatedvitaminandmineraldiscussed.Youcouldtakemoreofsomeofthenutrients,butyouwouldneedtobuyextrabottlesofpillsandcapsules.

Anti-oxidantsandfreeradicalsManyofthesupplementsthatIwantyoutotakearecalledanti-oxidants.Theycounteract the damage done to your body by free radicals. All of this isexplainedinthenextsection.Iwanttoemphasizethattakingthesesupplementsiscriticalifyouhopetoimproveyoueyedisease.Theywillboostyouroverallhealth enormously in the process. One caveat is that you need to be able toassimilate them. Reread the section in the previous chapter about detoxifyingyourbody.

Manypeoplefindthat theyaremoremotivatedto takeanti-oxidantsoncetheyknowmoreabouthowfreeradicalsarecreated.Bodycellsuseoxygentobreakdownproteins,carbohydrates,andfatsandconvertthemtoformsofenergythecellscanuseformetabolicprocesses.Thisbreakingdownofoxygenproducesfree radicals. Free radicals are atomswith an extra electron in their cell. This

makes them unstable and highly attracted to bonding with other molecules.However, some of the bonds they make may result in molecules that aredestructivetocellsandtotheDNAincells.Theeffectsofthiscanbeasminimalaswrinklesor asharmful as cancer.Anti-oxidants are like scavengers for freeradicals.Theyniptheminthebudsotospeakbeforetheycandoanydamage.Thatiswhytheyarealsocalled‘freeradicalscavengers.’Becauseourmetabolicprocesses are ongoing, every day, we need to replenish our free radicalscavengersbyconsumingfoodsandsupplementswithanti-oxidantpropertiesonadailybasis.

NowIamgoingtolisteachanti-oxidantvitaminandmineralthatIwantyoutoincludeinyoursupplementationplan.Thesewillbeinadditiontoeatingfoodswith luteinandzeaxanthinand taking theseassupplementsasdiscussed in theprevious chapter. I alsowant you to read thenext chapter and learn about theherbs that Iwant you to include as supplements. Thismeans that youwill betakingalotofsupplementsforalongtime.Itwillcostyoumoneyoutofpocket.But remember,youhavea seriousdisease that threatens to interferewithyourindependenceandmobilityinaseriousway.Further,thatconditionisprobablyonly a sign that overall health status is compromised. There are no medicalmiracles forARMD. If you do nothing, your visionwill probably deteriorate.Whathaveyougottolose?

VitaminsVitaminAThiswas the first vitamin discovered; hence its name. It is also called retinolbecause of its importance in vision, especially in night vision. It is also veryimportant in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, internal tissues,bone, and hair. Pre-formed Vitamin A is available in cod liver oil and in thelivers of animals aswell as dairy products.VitaminA is fat soluble, and it isstored in the liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and fat tissue. It needsVitamin E toexpediteabsorptionandZincinordertoreleaseitforuseinthebody.ProvitaminAas beta-carotene is available fromorange, yellow, andgreenvegetables andfruits.

Agreatdealhasbeenwrittenwarningpeoplenot totaketoomuchVitaminA.Indeed, because this nutrient is stored in the body, it is possible to developVitamin A toxicity characterized by dry skin, nausea, and loss of appetite.Pregnantwomen should not consume large doses ofVitaminA.Many peoplelike to avoid theVitaminA toxicity problem by taking all theirVitaminA as

beta-carotene,asubstancethatconvertstoVitaminAonanasneededbasis.Thisisafineidea–aslongasyouhaveanormalthyroid.SomeresearchersthinkthatalargenumberofpeoplecannotconvertbetacarotenetoVitaminAbecausetheyhavehypothyroidism, the term for anunderactive thyroid.Stillother scientiststhink that a large percentage of people with ARMD have hypothyroidism,regardless of whether it has shown up on tests or not. Additionally, zinc isneededtouseVitaminAandmanyprescriptiondrugsdepleteZinc.Sincenightblindness is one of the first indications that ARMD or another serious eyeconditionisdeveloping,IhavecometoregardVitaminAdeficiencyasprimeincreating theconditions forARMD.Therefore, takingVitaminA is essential inyourprogramtoreverseARMD.

Beta-caroteneThisnutrient, foundabundantly in foods, iscalledaVitaminAprecursor.ThismeansthatitconvertsreadilytoVitaminAinthebodyasthebody’srequirementforVitaminAdemandsit.Itiswatersoluble,unlikeVitaminAwhichisstoredinfattissue.

Inthepreviouschapter,youwereintroducedtospecificfoodsthatcontaintypesofbeta-caroteneknowntosupportthehealthofthemacula.Whenyouaddthesetoyourdietregularly,youareaddingagoodsourceofbeta-carotenefromfood.

VitaminCVitaminCisperhapsthemostacceptedandwellknownofthesupplements.Somuchhasbeen learnedabout theprotectivebenefitsof supplementing thedietabove the60mgRDAthat thefederalgovernment is in theprocessof revisingtheRDAupwards.Asabalancetothis,recentstudieshaveshownthatthemegadoses ofVitaminC recommendedover thepast years by specialists in naturalhealthareunwarranted.Dr.AndrewWeil,anauthor,andnutritionalexpert,whoformerlyrecommended1000to5000mg(1-5grams)perdayofVitaminChasnowrevisedhismaintenancedoserecommendationto250-500mgperday.

HumanbeingsarenotabletocreateVitaminCasaremostotheranimals.Itmustbe obtained on a daily basis from food and supplements. A small amount isstoredinareasofhighmetabolisminthebody,includingtheeyes.VitaminCiseasilyabsorbedandeasilyexcreted.Whateveristakeninlastsonlyafewhours.Therefore, frequent snacking on citrus fruit as well as taking supplements individeddosesisrecommended.

Vitamin C’s main function in the body is to strengthen collagen, the fibrous

materialintheskeletonandsurroundingeachcell.Italsoaidsintheproductionofthyroidhormoneandinloweringcholesterol.Becauseitstrengthensthecellwalls,itisananti-oxidantparexcellencesincestrongcellwallspreventdamagefromfreeradicals.

VitaminC, as a supplement, comes inmany forms including tablets, capsules,powders,effervescents,andchewabletablets.Whencombinedwithcalciumandmagnesium and/or potassium, it can be soothing to the stomach rather thanirritating. Diarrhea is a result of excess Vitamin C consumption. It is easilyhandledbyreducingyourdosage.

VitaminEThefoodsourcesofVitaminEaretheoilsinallgrains,seeds,andnuts.Wheatgermoilisanespeciallyrichsource.VitaminEworkstoprotectandenhancethecellmembranesoftheskin,eyes,andliverfromfreeradicaldamage.Itisafatsolublevitamin,likeVitaminA,andisabsorbedfromtheintestinesandstoredinthe liver and fatty tissue,heart, andmuscles. It is not as stable in thebodyasVitaminA,andmoreislostthroughexcretion.Whentakenasasupplement,thebest formofVitaminE ismixed tocopherols. Itwas formerlybelieved thatd-alphatocopherolwasthebestform,butthatviewhasbeenmodified.Muchlessvaluable is dl-alpha tocopherol. I do not recommend this synthetic form.Magnesiumlevels(seebelow)needtobeadequateforthemostefficientuseofVitaminE.

MineralsChromiumAlthoughchromiumisneededinminutequantityinthebody,adeficiencymaylead to seriousmetabolic disorders.Diabetics almost all show a deficiency ofChromium, and it plays an important role in blood vessel health.Our chronicdeficiency is most likely due to depleted soil and over-processed food.Fortunatelymostmultiplevitaminandmineralsupplementscontaintheamountneededonadailybasis.

SeleniumSeleniumisanothermicronutrientwhosedeficiencyisassociatedwithdepletedsoils.Theamountofseleniuminthesoilandwaterofanareacanvarygreatly.However,conservativesupplementationofthedietisnotthoughttoproduceanytoxicity.Thelensesofcataractpatientshaveshownfarlowerlevelsofseleniumthan are present in healthy tissue. This produces a strong association between

eyehealthandseleniumlevels.Seleniumisfoundinawidevarietyoffoods,anda diet rich in natural foods from selenium-rich soil may provide adequateamounts.However, ifyouhaveaseriousdisease, Iwouldventureaguess thatyourintakeofSeleniumisinadequate.

SeleniumneedsVitaminE to perform its anti-oxidant functions. I recommendthat you take these two nutrients together. It can be inhibited by Vitamin C,whichshouldbetakenatadifferenttimeoftheday.

ZincZinc is another mineral diminished due to poor soil. An added problem inobtaining adequate zinc is that meat and animal foods are themost abundantsources.Weare recommendingadiethigh inproduceandgrainsand lower inanimalproducts.YetZincisneededbyvirtuallyallthetissuesinthebody.Whenit is stored, the retina contains the second highest concentration (male sexualorgansthehighest).ZincisalsonecessarytotransportVitaminAtotheeyeandtocombatfreeradicaldamage.

As important as it is to obtain adequate amounts of zinc, by far the greaterproblem is how easily it is lost or depleted. It can be sweated away duringexercise,burnedupduringstress,andthisincludesstressfromsurgeryorinjuryor illness aswell as emotional stress. For elders, a big problem is that zinc isdepleted in metabolizing many commonly prescribed drugs for hypertension,highcholesterol,andmanyotherconditions.

Therearetwoothersupplementsthatareveryvaluableanti-oxidants.ThefirstisGammalinolenicacid.Goodsourcesforthisareeveningprimrose,blackcurrantseed, and black walnut oil. It is very important for people with low thyroidfunction to supplement with this nutrient. Its usefulness in wet ARMD isunparalleledsinceitsmainworkinthebodyistohealandsupportbloodvesselwalls.TheothernutrientisLecithin.Lecithinhelpslowercholesterollevelsandhelpstheeyetosee,therebyrevealingtherelationshipbetweentheeyeandtheliver that is understood sowell inChinesemedicine.Lecithin canbe taken incapsuleorgranuleform.Granulescanbesprinkledoncereal.

And,finally,Ineedtomentiontaurine.Taurineisasulfur-containingaminoacidwhich is found naturally in egg whites and meat and fish proteins. It has aprotectiveeffectontheheartandbloodvessels,but,mostimportantly,itisfoundin the retina. Adequate levels of zinc are needed to aid taurine in its role ofcellularmetabolismandnerveimpulsegeneration.Dailysupplementationat500mgoftaurineisadvised.

HowtogetallyourvitaminsandmineralsTakingalotofpillsonadailybasis,evenforthemostdeterminedandmotivatedpersoncanbeaproblem.Multivitaminandmineralpillssolvethisproblemtosomeextent,but their ingredientsmaynotbeadequate foryourneeds.That iswhyIworkedwithacompanytodevelopwhatIbelievetobethemostcompletesupplementforpersonswithmaculardegeneration.TheformulaIdevelopedisthe Macular Degeneration Nutritional Formula available from NutritionalResearch LLC in Carson City, Nevada. This product contains 29 ingredients,includingtheanti-oxidantsmentionedabove,lutein,andtheherbsIwilldescribeinthenextchapter.Thisproductismadefromthefreshestnaturalextracts.Noartificialadditives,preservatives,corn,wheat,yeastorsoyordairyproductsareused in themanufacturing.Thenutrientsareput intocapsules sopatientswhohavedifficultyswallowingcanopenthecapsuleandmixthecontentsintofruitjuiceorsprinkleitoncereal.Therearemanyotherformulasonthemarket,andyoumaychoosetopurchaseanyone.Justbesurethatyourbasesarecoveredintermsoftheanti-oxidantpoweravailableinanygivenbrand.Youwillprobablyneedtosupplementwithindividualnutrientsinthefirstthreemonthsregardlessofwhatbrandyouchoosesincethetherapeuticdosesaretoohightobecarriedinasinglepill.Thishasitall!YouwillseeseveralingredientslistedthatIdidnot cover in this chapter.Beassured that theyarevery important for total eyehealth.

Following is a list of the ingredients in themacular degeneration formulationthat I recommend.For thosepatientswhodonotwant tobuyanextraproduct(i.e. Ocular Function Spray), and wish to take all their nutrients from thisformula,itcontainsabaselineleveloflutein,vitaminE,andzeaxanthin.

AfinalwordaboutZinc–Ihavediscoveredthatover80percentofpatientswhotake zinc as a supplement are deficient in this substance! A simple taste testcalledtheZincTallyTestcandetermineyourzinclevels.Iencourageyoutoaskyourdoctoraboutthistest.

MACULAR DEGENERATION NUTRITIONAL FORMULA (60packets/bottle)Doseperpacket:

VitaminA(Palmitate)5,000IUBeta-Carotene 10,000 IU (from Dunaliella salina, a natural source providingBeta-Carotene,Alpha-Carotene,Zeaxanthin,CryptoxanthinandLutein)VitaminB-1(ThiamineHCL)25mgVitaminB-2(RiboflavinHCL)25mgVitaminB-3(Niacinamide)50mgVitaminB-3(Niacin)10mgVitaminB-5(PantothenicAcid)100mgVitaminB-6(PuridoxineHCL)25mgFolicAcid200mcgVitaminB-12100mcgVitaminC500mgVitaminE(d-alphaTocopherol)200IUN-Acetyl-L-Cysteine200mgBilberryExtract40mgGinkgoBilobaExtract40mgQuercetinBioflavonoid50mgL.-Taurine400mgCalcium(Citrate)100mgMagnesium(Citrate)200mgCopper(Sebecate)3mgSelenium(Selenomethionine)200mcgZinc(Picolinate)20mgL-Glutathione25mgManganese3mgRutin15mgHesperidin10mgLycopene1mgLutein10mgSuggesteddose1packettwiceaday.

Youcanseehowcomprehensivethisformulais.Althoughyoudoneedtotakesix capsules in divided doses, you will be getting virtually all the nutrientsneeded for your eye health. Of course your overall health will improveimmensely when you begin to supplement your diet at this level. Taking

supplementsandimprovingyourdietaretwoofthemostimportantwaysanyonecanimproveoverallhealth.Congratulationsontakingcareofyourself!

ChecklistforStepSeven√Readthelabelsonyourvitaminsandlistallthoseyouarenowtaking.

√ComparethislisttotheMacularDegenerationFormula.

√OrdertheMacularDegenerationFormulaorpurchaseindividualsupplementsforyoureyehealth.(SeeResources.)

StepEight:ThreeImportantHerbsforYourVisionThis is the thirdchapterdiscussingsubstancesyouneed toadd toyourdiet inorder to heal your vision. In Step Six I urged you to take a supplement thatcontains a significant amount of lutein and zeaxanthin. Step Seven was anoverviewofthevitaminsandmineralsyouneed.StepEightdiscussesthethreeherbsknownforcenturiestohaveatoningandhealingeffectontheeyes.Youmaybeable to findmanyof these in the samesupplementsyou take foryouroverall eye health. If you do, that is great. Otherwise, you may need to buyseparate bottles of capsules and tablets in order to ensure that you have yourbases covered. Step Twelve will help you formulate your personal plan forimplementingthestepsinthisbook.

HerbalmedicineisgainingrespectabilityamongtheAmericanpublicandevenamong conventional doctors.Theuseof herbs inChinesemedicine is nowanacceptedpartoftreatmentbyanacupuncturist.OftenthistreatmentisavailableinHMOsoraspartofconventionaldoctors’practices.Itistakinglongerforourownwesternherbstogainacceptance.Yetthesearealsopowerfulandeffectivesourcesofhealthmaintenanceandhealing.Sincetreatmentwithwesternherbsisusually a self-care activity, people need to become educated about the variousherbsandwhattheycandotostrengthenandhealthebodyandthemind.

Recently, St. John’s Wort has received a lot of interest and scientificinvestigation for its ability to help people cope with depression and anxiety.Once scientists demonstrated its effectiveness, it became the front line ofmedicine even for conventionally trained doctors. Many are now willing torecommenditbeforewritingaprescriptionforProzacoranotheranti-depressant.Idon’tknowwheneyedoctors,asagroup,willbegintorecognizethevalueofherbs for the eyes. I have found them to be veryvaluable as part of amixoftreatmentsIsuggesttomypatientswhohaveARMD,glaucoma,andcataracts.Youcansafelybegintakingtheseherbsassoonasyouhavereadaboutthisstep.

Whatareherbs?Herbs are plants that are used for medicinal or culinary purposes.We are allfamiliarwithmintandrosemary.Somepeopleliketocultivatebasil,marjoram,thyme or chives to enhance the flavor of food. While culinary herbs havemedicinalproperties,thesepropertiesarebarelynoticedinthequantitieswetakeaspartofthediet.However,youmightnoticethatdrinkingmintteaafteramealaids your digestion or that eating parsley causes you to urinate more. Some

naturalistsmaintainthateveryplantonearthhashealingproperties,butthatwedonotunderstandthemall.Onethingiscertain–therearenumerousherbs,andtheyworkforallsortsofhumanills.

Themedicinal part of a plant can be the leaves, flowers, fruit, roots, or bark.Herbsthatusetherootorbarkareusually,butnotalways,strongerandlesstastythan thosemade from leaves and flowers. Some herbs are organically grown,and,ofcourse,ifyoucanfindanherbalsupplementmadefromanorganicplant,chooseitoveranotherone.Wildcraftingisatermusedtodescribehowherbsareobtained. Thismeans that someone found them growing in nature and pickedthem. It implies that there are no pesticides or chemicals used in theirproduction, but since the definition of ‘organic’ is strictly regulated in manystates, wildcrafted herbs cannot claim to be organic. They are an excellentchoice,however.Someherbalformulasuseonlytheactiveingredientofanherb,theonealkaloidthoughttoberesponsiblefortheherb’shealingpowers.Thisisactuallynotagoodideasincewereallydonotknowifanherbactsonlythroughits ‘active’ ingredientor through the synergyof all its livingcomponents. It isusuallybesttousethefullplantpart.

HowtotakeherbsHerbalsupplementscomeinliquidanddryform.Theliquidformisatincture,made froma concentrationof the herbs juices preserved in amedium such asalcohol,water, or glycerin.Dried herbs come in capsules or tablets. Tincturesoffer the advantage of being easy to take and readily absorbed through themucous membranes of the mouth. For this reason, I prefer tinctures for mypatients.Capsulesarethenextbestinthattheherbalmatterisreadilyavailableonce thegelatincapsulehasdissolved.Tabletsaremy least favoritesince theyare hard to break down in the digestive tract. If you are getting someof yourherbal requirements in amultinutrient tablet, consider taking thebalanceas atincture.Herbsarefoodandcanbetakenwithmealsorseparatelyiftheycauseyounogastricdistress.

Usuallyacourseofherbal treatmentshouldbemaintainedforat least thirty toninetydays.ForARMDpatients,becauseoftheslowprogressionofthedisease,youmay have to take herbs for as long as sixmonths before you notice anyimprovement in your vision.Theherbs Iwill discuss in this chapterwill helpslowdowntheprogressionofyourdiseaseandyoushouldcontinuetakingthemeven if you are not sure they are helping your vision. Some herbalistsrecommend takingherbssixdaysofeachweek togiveyourbodyachance torespondontheseventhday.

BilberryDuring World War II, British fighter pilots are said to have eaten bilberrypreservesinordertoimprovetheirnightvision.Thispracticeprobablygrewoutof folklore in Europe that considered bilberry to enhance sight. Bilberry is aplantknownasVacciniummyrtillus.Themedicinalpart is the fruitorberries,andcloselyresemblesAmericanhuckleberries.Theplantgrows inEuropeandtheRockyMountainregion.

Bilberryactsasananti-oxidantincombatingfreeradicaldamageandstabilizingcollagenaswellasstrengtheningcapillaries.Althoughtheleavesoftheplantarepoisonous,thefruithasnoadversereaction,evenwhentakeninlargeamounts.In several studies, patientswith various eye disorders ranging frommyopia tomacular degeneration, showed improvement in their vision a short time aftertakingbilberry.Inanotherstudy,bilberryplusVitaminEstoppedtheprogressionofcataractsin97%ofthepatientsontheregimen.DailysupplementationwithBilberryasitisincludedinatotaleyeformulaishighlyrecommended.

GinkgobilobaThissupplementisderivedfromtheleavesoftheGinkgobilobatree,oneoftheoldestplantsonearth.Itsagepoints toitsapplicationinmanyofthedisordersassociatedwithaging,amongthemsenilityandlossofmemory.Ginkgobilobaimprovescirculationto thebrainthroughamildbloodthinningeffect.For thisreason, it should never be used by anyonewho is taking blood thinners. It ishelpful inmacular degeneration because, by stimulating the blood flow to theeye,wastematerialintheformofdrusencanmoreeasilybecarriedaway.GraceHalloran,authorofAmazingGrace,whoworkswithvisuallyimpairedpeopleina comprehensive training program (see last chapter), states that several of herclients have had their drusen completely disappear. Thesewere individuals ofvarying ages,whomethodically developed andmaintained a healing plan liketheoneIamsuggestinginthisbook.

Ginkgobilobaalsorelievesdepressionandhelpswithhardeningofthearteries(atherosclerosis).Becauseof itseffecton thebloodvesselsof theeye,Ginkgobiloba isvery importantasasupplement for thosewithwetARMDaswellasfor anyone with cerebral insufficiency syndrome which is lack of propercirculationtothebrain.

Becauseof theextensiveresearchdonewiththisherb, ithasbeenfoundthatapreparationcontaining24percentginkgosides is themosteffective.Whenyoupurchase Ginkgo biloba, look for a brand that is made by a reputable herbal

pharmacy and that contains this amount of its active ingredient. A dosage of120mg per day is sufficient to obtain benefits from thismarvelous substance.Youmayfindthisincludedineyehealthformulas.

EyebrightEyebrightorEuphrasiaofficinalisisanherbthathasbeenusedtohelphealeyecondition since early Greek times. There are references to it in Elizabethanliterature.Itistakeninternally,eitherasanherbaltinctureorcapsuleortablet,orasahomeopathic remedy. Iwilldiscuss itshomeopathicuse in thechapteronhomeopathy. Eyewashes have been made from Eyebright also, but you areadvisednottomakeyourownsinceitcanbeirritating.Eyebrightcanbeusedasasoothingcompressontheclosedeyes.Tomakeacompress,useaneyebrighttea bag. They are available in most health food stores or throughwww.nutritionalresearch.net.Theteabagcanalsobeusedasacompressapplieddirectlytotheeyeandthe“tea”canbeconsumed.Eyebright teaisusuallynotirritatingtotheeye.Ifyoucannotlocateteabagsthenyoucanuseoneteaspoonof powdered herb or open a capsule and add 1 cup boiling water. Allow themixturetocoolandsoakcottonballsorsquaresinit.Placetheseonyoureyeswhileyourelax.Thistreatmentcanbeusedatthesametimeyoudosunningorpalmingexercises.

Themedicinalpartsoftheplantareitsflowersandleaves.Itsprimarymedicinalusehasbeen to treatconjunctivitisandeyestrain. Ithasbeenfoundhelpful inlightsensitivityaswellasstingingand tearingeyes. In folklore itwasused totreat‘dimvision.’HerbalistsbelievethatEyebrightactstotonifytheliver,andthatthisexplainsitsimpactontheeyes–Chinesetheoryagain.Tosupplementwith Eyebright, if taken internally, take two capsules, about 450-500mg each,daily. If Eyebright is included in any of your other supplement formulas, youprobablydonotneedtotakeanadditionalamount.

Threeherbsforyourvision:thepowerofherbsNature provides us with virtually everything we need for healing. As weexperiencethenegativeimpactofmostpharmaceuticaldrugs,wewillturnmoreandmore often to the healing power of nature. Just because herbs are readilyavailable does not mean that they are not powerful. I am thankful that thesepotenthealingsubstancescanbeboughtandusedfreely.Iurgeyoutotaketheinformationinthischaptertoheartandbegintousethem.Inthenextsectionofthe book, I will describe powerful and unique ways to treat ARMD. Use thewisdomofthelastthreestepstogetyoureyesreadytorespond.

ChecklistforStepEight√Visityourlibraryandbrowsethroughbooksonherbs.

√Purchasesomemildherbalteaandbegintoenjoyacupeveryday.

√Visityourhealthfoodstoreandfindsupplementsthatcontain:

♦Bilberry♦Ginkgobiloba♦Eyebright

Step Nine: Chelation Therapy: Improve CirculationtoYourEyeWiththischapterIwilldescribethefirstofthreewaystotreatARMDthatmaybecompletelynewtobothyouandyourdoctor.IrecommendthatmypatientsaddoneormoreofthesetechniquestotherestofthestepsIhavedescribed,inorder tomaximize their chancesof reversingARMD.Youmaywonderwhy Ididn’t just explain these in the beginning of the book and forget all thatinformationaboutdiet,exercise,stressmanagement,andsupplements.First,youmust recognize that these three therapies:Chelation,MicrocurrentStimulation,and Homeopathy require your own natural vital force in order to work well.Thesearenotdrugsthatyoucantakeoroperationsyoucanundergowhereyouhavenoactivepartinyourhealing.Onthecontrary,forthesemethodstoworkaswellastheycan,youmustbeinthebestpossiblehealth.Thesecondreasonwhy the first part of this book is so important is that yourARMDdevelopedbecauseyouhavesomesortofsystemicdegenerationinprogress,evenifyourARMDis theonlysignof it.Therefore,Ihavegivenyouthetools toimproveyour underlying state of health. With optimal health, you can handle yourARMDmuch better on the emotional level and copewith vision changes andmobility issues much more successfully while you are waiting for improvedvision.Finally,afterthetherapeuticsegmentofyourhealingprogramends,youwill need to be involved in a maintenance program to ensure that your newfoundvisualgainsarenotlostduetopoorlifestylehabits.

ChelationtherapyFrancisGmysisahardworkingfarmerinHome,Pennsylvania.Besidesbeingaverylikeableandfriendlyperson,heismyuncle.In1983,Sonny(thatiswhateveryonecallshim)developedchestpainsthatweresodebilitatinghecouldnotwalktothebarnwithoutmanystops.Hetooknitroglycerinetabletsalldaylong.Whenheconsultedadoctor,he learnedthathehad70%blockageinacardiacarteryandwouldneedbypasssurgeryintwoyears.Aroundthistimehelearnedthat severalofhisneighborswereundergoingchelation therapy for theirheartconditionsandotherbloodvesselproblems.HejoinedthecarpoolofneighborswhowenttoMountPleasantfortheirweeklytreatments.Hesaysthatfarfromunpleasant,hefoundthetreatmentsveryenjoyable.Hesawpeoplegetstrongereveryweek.Therewasalwayssomeonetotalkto.

Inall,Sonnyhad46chelation treatments.Hehadnomorechestpainandwas

feelinggreat.Becauseof this, hemade amistakehe still regrets.Hegot busyback at the farm and did not take hismonthlymaintenance treatments as thedoctor strongly recommended. Three years later the chest pain was back. Hetook10treatmentsbut theydidnotbringhimthereliefheexperiencedearlier.So he had the surgery and, “it did not help me at all.” Now he is back tochelationandhopestohavethesameoutcomehefirstexperienced.Thistimehewilldothemaintenanceprogram!

The first technique I want to describe to you is called Chelation Therapy.Although you may never have heard of chelation, it has been employed bydoctorsinthiscountrysinceabout1950,followingitsdevelopmentinGermanyin 1938. This is a treatment normally used to treat lead poisoning and evenvenomoussnakebitesinmedicine.Itwasfound,intheearlyyearsofitsuse,thatchelation improved the heart disease of those who underwent it for otherpurposes. This prompted a number of physicians to begin using it for thispurposesinceitisknowntoflushplaqueandtoxicmetalsfrombloodstream.Formany,manyindividualsithasbeenanalternativetoheartorvascularsurgery.

In chelation therapy, about three grams of EDTA is used for each treatment.Althoughithasbeenapprovedtotreatleadpoisoningandsomeotherconditions,ithasnotbeenapprovedforuseintreatingheartandvascularconditions.Thisdoesnotmeanthatitisharmfulorineffectiveintheseinstances.Manydrugsanddevicesareusedinthiswayinthemedicalfield.Whendoctorsusechelationforpurposes other than leadpoisoning, they are using an approved substance, thesynthetic amino acidEDTA (ethyl diamine tetra acetic acid) in a discretionaryway.Thisisdonefrequentlyinmedicine.Oneexamplefamiliartousallistheuseofaspirin,whichisapprovedforthetreatmentofpain.Physiciansroutinelyrecommendittothinthebloodofpersonswithcardiovasculardisease.

Howischelationadministered?Achelation treatment requiresavisit to adoctor’sofficewherea substance isinfusedintoyourveinsthroughanIVforthepurposeofhelpingyourbodyriditselfoftoxicheavymetalsandexcessminerals.Chelationrequiresacourseoftreatment of several sessions per week for several weeks or months. ACAMrecommendsthatpatientsundergo30chelationtreatmentsinordertoobtaintheoptimumeffect,andfollowthesewithamaintenancedoseonceamonth.Eachsessionlaststwotofourhours.Thefrequencyofthetreatmentsdependsontheseverityoftheconditionandthewaythatthebodyishandlingtheexcretionoftheminerals.Duringthecourseoftreatment,thedoctorwillmonitorthehealthofkidneysaswellasotherorganstoensurethatnounduestressisplacedonthe

body.There isalmostnodiscomfortwithchelationand thesideeffects,whicharerare,areveryminimal.Patientsareinstructedduringthistimeinproperdiet,stressmanagement,andexerciseregimenstosupporttheiroverallrecovery.

TD-DMPSisatypeoflotionthat,accordingtoDr.RobertRowenauthoroftheNewsletter 2ndOpinion, can reverseyearsof eye changesby removingheavymetals from the body that can cause heavymetal poisoning.The skin, rich innerves, transports the TD-DMPS into the central nervous system and into thebrainandeyes.ThereissomeevidencethatTD-DMPSismoreeffectiveintheremovalofheavymetalsthanareintravenoustreatments.

Iwouldstronglyrecommend thatyouworkwithadoctorwho isamemberofACAM.Thismeans that heor sheknowshow tomatch thedoseofEDTA toyourparticularconditionandtomonitoryouroverallhealthduringthecourseoftreatment.AlistofdoctorscanbeobtainedbycallingACAMat949-583-7666orvisittheirwebpageatwww.acam.org

IhaveperformedChelationtherapy,usingEDTAandothernutrients,inmyofficeforthepasttenyears.Ithasresultedindistinctvisualchangessuchasimprovedacuityandcolorvisioninmanypatients.HaroldByer,MD,Ophthalmologist,Fountainview,PA.

I want to emphasize that, in the more than 40 years it has been used in thiscountry,onlytwodeathshaveoccurredthatcanbeattributedtochelation.Theseoccurredinthefifties,whentherewasinsufficientknowledgeaboutdrugdosageandadministration.Conventionalmedicinehasmademuchofthesetwodeathswhile theyconveniently ignore the100,000deathseachyear fromprescriptiondrugs

Chelation has been used very successfully to treat cardiovascular disease,diabetes, diabetic arterial disease, decreased mental functioning, intermittentclaudication (leg pain on exercise), and a number of other conditions. Eyeconditionssuchasglaucomaandcataractshaverespondedtochelationtherapy.IthasalsobeenusedtoreversemaculardegenerationsinceARMDiscaused,atleastinpart,bytheblockageinthechoroidcapillarieswhichdeliverbloodtothemacula.

In1994,theJournaloftheAdvancementofMedicinepublishedacasewherea59 year old woman with ARMD used nutrition along with chelation for her

condition. After undergoing the recommended series of chelation, her visionimproved to 20/25 in one eye and 20/ 20 in the other.Her central visionwasgreatlyenhanced.Oneyearlater,hervisionimprovementremained.

Dr.MerrillLiptonofBelton,Texas, tells a compelling storyof his experiencewithchelationandmaculardegeneration.

Iwas injuredduringWorldWar II, at the age of twenty, by an explosionabovemyhead.Largepiecesofshrapnellodgedinmyhead,nearmyearandbehindmy eye. This leftmewith increased pressure inmy right eye,which resulted in glaucoma. Several years later, the same conditiondevelopedinmylefteye.Itwascontrolledwithdrops.In1991,IthoughtIhad cataracts. It turned out to be macular degeneration. I took fortychelation treatments and continued with follow-up treatments twice amonth. My vision returned to 20/20 with correction, and my high bloodpressureof twentyyears’ standingwascured.A fewyears later, Ihadmycataract removed, and complications resulted in increased intra ocularpressureagain.Backonchelation,thisproblemresolvedtotheextentthat,atseventy-fiveyearsofage,Ireadwithoutglassesanddrive.

Theword“chelation” is takenfromtheGreekwordchele,meaningclaw.Thisdescribesthewaythemoleculesofthechelatingagentgrabontothemoleculesofheavymetal,suchas lead, iron,andcopper, in thebodyandmovesthemtothe kidneys, via the bloodstream, for excretion. The process of chelation alsobindscalcium,whichisknown,whenitispresentincellsinexcessiveamounts,tointerferewitharterialhealth.Calciumisresponsibleforthebuildupofplaquethat causes blockages in the blood vessels. None of the calcium chelated andreleasedduringchelationisthecalciumfrombonesandteeth.Chelationlowersserum ionized calcium which decreases clotting, reduces spasm and softens“hardening” of the arteries. A further benefit to overall health is that EDTAreducestheLDLcholesterol(theso-called‘bad’cholesterol)contentintheliverandtheplaque

HowchelationworksDespiteitssuccess,scientistsdonotknowforcertainhowchelationworks.Onetheoryisthatitreducesfreeradicals.AsIexplainedinprevioussectionsofthisbook,freeradicalsaretheharmfulbyproductsofmetabolicprocesses.Arelatedtheoryisthatsinceheavymetalscauseanincreasedproductionoffreeradicals,reducing them in the body reduces the numbers of free radicals. Yet anotherunderstanding of how chelation works focuses on the relationship between

calciumandmagnesiumasintracellularandintercellularcomponents.Asexcesscalcium is bound in the bloodstream, the calcium/ magnesium balance isfavorablyaffected.

FindingadoctorforchelationThe ACAM maintains a list of doctors who are trained and certified toadminister chelation therapy.The actual certification is done by theAmericanBoard of Chelation Therapy. This group monitors the preparation for thisrecognizedmedical subspecialty. It is important for you toworkwith such anindividual. Unfortunately chelation therapy is not recognized by the medicalprofession as an accepted treatment. Beyond this, there are physicians whoerroneously believe that it is harmful, or, at best, not useful. Theywill surelydiscouragetheirpatientsfromusingit.InthecaseofARMD,however,theywillalso tell their patients that nothing can be done.Youwillmost likely need tobeginyourownadvocacyprogramforyourvisionaswellasyouroverallhealth.Whywaitandletprecioustimepasswhenthereareeffectivetechniquesyoucanusetoimroveyoursight?

Medicalscienceisnotoriouslyslowtorecognizeandapprovemethodsthathavearisenoutside thepharmaceutical/technologyworld.Thesegiantprofitmakingbusinesseshavequiteagripontheworldofhealthcare.Theycontrolresearchandvirtuallyallinnovation.Doctorshaveahardtimeevaluatingtechniquesthatdonotarisewithinthismonolith.However,sincemostofthemrefusetodotheirownresearchinchelation, theyarenot inapositiontoevaluate it.Youcandothisforyourself,however.AgoodstartingpointisrequestinginformationfromACAM.The books byDr.MortonWalker are also very valuable sources.Hedescribeschelationfromascientificaswellascasestudyperspective.

ThenexttwochaptersintroducetwoadditionaltherapiesforyoutoconsiderinyoureffortstoreverseyourARMD.Pleasereadthembeforeyouchoosewhichtherapy touse.Ofcourse,youcancombine twoorevenall three ifyouwish.Chelationisthemostexpensiveofthetherapies,butitisinvaluableifyouhavecirculatoryproblemsinadditiontoARMD.MostimportantischoosingatleastoneoftheseapproachestohealingyourARMD!

ChecklistforStepNine√ContactACAMtolearnmoreaboutchelationtherapy.

√ Determine whether there is a doctor in your community who practiceschelation.

√Haveageneralcheckuptoevaluateyourcardiovascularhealth.

StepTen:Homeopathy:HealfromWithinInthischapter,Iwillintroduceyoutooneofthemostdynamicandeasy-to-usemethods of total healing – homeopathy. By total healing, I mean thathomeopathy can heal your mental attitude, emotional state, as well as yourphysicaldisease.Ihaveseenitworkabsolutewondersformypatientsregardlessof their eye condition.For thosewithmacular degeneration, it offers hope forgreat improvementinvisionaswellasintransformingone’sattitudeaboutthecondition.PatientswithARMDwhohavetakenahomeopathicremedynotonlynotice improved vision, but they report being calmer, more peaceful, lessirritable, and able to enjoy the normal activities of life fully. They no longerfocusonhowtheirconditionlimitsthembutfeelrestoredtoasenseofgratitudefor all that life offers. It is with a deep sense of commitment to this form ofhealingthatIspeaktoyouabouthomeopathy.Ihopeyouwillreadthiswithanattitude of hope and interest and will consider homeopathy in your healingjourney.

Whatishomeopathy?Homeopathyisanaturalsystemofhealingbasedontheprinciplethat‘likecureslike.’ Thismeans that the symptoms of a disease resemble the symptoms thatmight be brought on in a healthy person who took a particular herb or othersubstance.Onegoodexampleiswiththeremedy,mercury.Whenhealthypeopletake an overdose ofmercury and enduredmercury poisoning, they experiencetremors,excessivesalivation,andanexquisitesensitivitytotemperaturechange.Whensickpeople,perhapsthosewiththeflu,exhibitthesesymptoms,theywilllikelybecured if they takehomeopathicmercury. Inanotherexample,wecanlookathowwomeninthepastcenturytookalittleoftheplant“belladonna”(itmeansprettylady)inordertobringcolortotheircheeksandbrightnesstotheireyes. Belladonna happens to be the homeopathic remedy one would think ofusing if a personhad a fever accompaniedby abright red face andglisteningeyes.

Whilethis is theunderlyingprincipleofhomeopathy, itdoesnot tellushowitworks.Infact,wedon’tknowhowitworks.Homeopathicremedies,inadditionto matching the person’s symptoms, are made from minute doses of thesubstance used to heal those symptoms. The doses are so tiny that, at somestrength, the substance cannot even be detected in a chemical analysis of theremedy.Andthesestrengths,calledthehighpotencies,arethemostpowerfulintheirabilitytoheal!Somefeelthathomeopathyisatypeofenergymedicine-–

one that works on the non-material levels of the person. Others feel that wecannotmeasure the substance because our instruments are not that subtle yet.Regardlessofhowitworks,theimportantthingformeandforyouistoknowthatitdoeswork.

HomeopathicremediesHomeopathicremediesaremadefromplants,animals,andminerals.Belladonnais an example of a plant remedy, while mercury is an example of a mineralsource.Mostanimalremediesaremadefrominsects,snakevenom,orthemilkofmammals.Thereareabout3000remedies.Thekeytosuccessinhomeopathyisselectingthecorrectremedy.Whileitistruethataboutthreedozenremediescoverawidevarietyofillnessesandwillhelpalargenumberofpeople,itisstillimportant to consider all the remedieswhen prescribing for a case. Remediescomeintwoforms.Thedryform,orpellets,consistsofsmallsugarpillstakenbymouthunderthetongue.Thisformisveryeasyandpleasanttotake.Equallypleasant,butalittlemorecomplex,istakingaliquidformoftheremedy.Theseareprescribedbyhomeopaths,and,ifyoushouldneedone,heorshewillgiveyou instructions.Unlike prescription or even over-the-counter drugs, remediesaretakenforashorttimeonly.Infact,youmayonlyneedonedoseofaremedytohaveaprofoundhealingresponse.Thisisbecauseofthewayremedieswork.

Remediescomeindifferentstrengths,calledpotencies.Thesecoveraverywiderangeofstrengths.Theremediesavailableinhealthfoodstoresareinthelowtolow-midrangeinpotency.Higherpotencies,whicharealmostalwaysneededtoheal a serious chronic or degenerative condition, are available only byprescriptionthroughahomeopath.AlthoughIdonotsuggestthatyoutrytoself-treatyourARMD,Idosuggestthatyougotoahealthfoodstoreandlookatthesection with homeopathic remedies. You will probably see several types ofremedies.Onetypemaybelabeledaccordingtoadiseaseorconditions,suchas“arthritis”or “sinus”or “indigestion.”Thesemaybe either tablets or tinctureswhichareliquidforms.Theywillcontainanumberofremedies,and,thus,arecalledcombinationremedies.Iconsiderthesesomewhatusefulforpeopletogetacquaintedwithhomeopathy,buttheydonotinanywayrepresentthefullpowerofhomeopathy.

Most likely you will also see some single remedies with unfamiliar names.These are likely to be packaged in small tubes. Inside are tiny white pellets.Thesearethemostfamiliarandfrequentlyusedhomeopathicremedies.Peoplewith some experience and knowledge of homeopathy use these to treatthemselves, their families, and their pets. Although I strongly advise you to

consult a skilled homeopathic practitioner to treat yourARMD, youmay findtheseremediesusefulforotherconditions.

Howdoremedieswork?Homeopathic remedies work to stimulate your own vital force, or immuneresponse,tohealyourillness.Althoughtheyaretakeninaformthatresemblesregular medicine, they are completely different. For example if you had abacterial infection such as a strep throat, the antibioticsyoumight takewouldactuallykillthegermsthatcausedtheinfection.However,ifyouweretotakeahomeopathicremedyforthatsamecondition,theremedywouldstimulateyourown immune system to overcome the germs. And it would do this withoutcausinganysideeffectswhatsoever.

Another way remedies differ from regular medicine is in their timing. Manyprescriptiondrugsneed toaccumulate inyoursystembefore theycanaffect it.Antidepressants are one example. A person often needs to take an anti-depressantforseveralweeksbeforeithasanyeffect.Inhomeopathy,thereisnosuchthingasacumulativeeffect.Youcantakeonedoseofaremedyandhaveanimmediateeffect.Oryoucantakeonedoseandhaveaneffectseveraldaysorweeks laterwithout takinganymoredoses.This isbecause the remedyworksdeeply in your system tomobilize your own healing forces. Peoplewho havebeenseriously illand/or ill fora long timemayrequirea longerperiodbeforetheynoticearesponsetoaremedy.Theymayalsorequirearepeateddoseinafew months’ time. A homeopath will carefully observe your response to theremedyanddeterminethepotencyandfrequencyofrepetition.

ThepowerofhomeopathyOneofthereasonswhyIhavededicatedsomuchofmylifeandmypracticetohomeopathyisbecauseofitspower.Itcancurediseasestatesateverylevelofseriousness.Forexample,itisveryeffectiveinwhatwecall‘acute’illness.Thismeansshorttermintensediseaseslikeflu,fever,pneumonia,andsomeinjuries.It is also highly effective in curing chronic illness such as asthma, arthritis,lupus,andeyeconditions.Itcanhelpwhereconventionalmedicinehasnothingtoofferbesidespowerfulmedicationslikesteroidsthatdosomuchharmtothebody while they relieve symptoms. It is also excellent at resolving deepemotionalstatessuchasanxiety,unexpressedorlingeringgrief,anddepression.Mental/emotional disorders like panic attacks and attention deficit disorder

respondbeautifully.Evenwhenpeoplehaveterminalillnessandorganchangesthatmakeitimpossibleforthemtorecover,homeopathycanrelievetheirpainaswellasbringpeacetotheirfinaldays.

Onedramaticstoryistheapparentreversalofaverysevereandacuteconditioncalled central retinal arterial occlusion.Dr. SobhendranathDatta, a radiologistfromLouisiana,wasattendingaconferenceinmycitywhenhewasstruckwithwhathecalleda“blackoutinthelefteye.”Hisvisionwasbetterinthedarkandverypoor in light.Heconsultedmeonanemergencybasis, and Iwasable toprescribe a homeopathic remedy that restored his vision to 20/30. When hevisitedhisdoctorforafollow-up,thedoctorsaidhehadneverseenanocclusionimprove like that. ‘He told me that, without homeopathic treatment, I wouldhavelostsightinthateye.Igotmyvisionback100percentwithhomeopathicmedicine.Thisisamiracle.Iamverygratefultoyou,Dr.Kondrot.Iamblessedindeed.’

TheoriginofhomeopathyYoumaybewonderingwherethispowerfulhealingsystemoriginated.Youmayalsobewonderingwhyitisnotusedmoreoftenandacceptedaspartofstandardmedicine. Samuel Hahnemann (1754-1840?) who was born in Germany isconsidered the father of homeopathy. While it is based on ancient healingsystemsaswellasfolkknowledgeandherbalmedicine,manyaspectsofitareentirely his original contribution. The idea of using aminute dose was neverapplied so effectively or systematically beforeHahnemann. It is interesting tonote that many modern doctors are using fractional or small doses ofchemotherapyinplaceofthemassivedosesformerlygiven.Andthisishavingverygoodresultswithoutthedebilitatingsideeffects.

Hahnemannwastrainedasamedicaldoctor,butwasappalledattheharmdoneby the standard practices of the time. For example, many patients died frommercury poisoning and bloodletting.On the other hand, simple folk remedies,whiletheydidnoharm,werenotpowerfulenoughtocureseriousdiseases.Heset about finding a new system and applied his considerable intellect andscientific training to do so. By the time of his death in the mid nineteenthcentury, homeopathy had spread throughout Europe, to North and SouthAmerica, and to Asia. At the turn of the century about half of US medicalschoolstrainedhomeopathicdoctors.HomeopathyhaditsdemiseintheUSasaresult of the growth of the pharmaceutical companies. There is virtually noopportunity tomakelargeprofits in themanufactureofhomeopathicremedies.Homeopathy also did not lend itself to standardized research for a number of

reasons. So,with the growth in power of conventionalmedicine, homeopathywent‘underground’untilitsrebirthabouttwenty-fiveyearsago.Therearenowmany fine training programs operating in the US as well as abroad and thenumberofqualifiedhomeopathsisincreasingyearly.

ChoosingahomeopathManypeoplepurporttopracticehomeopathy,but,inmyopinion,onlysomeofthesepeoplearequalifiedtodoso.Iamgoingtogiveyouguidelinestouseinselectingahomeopathifyoudecidetodoso.Ahomeopathmayormaynotbetrained in another medical profession. Some homeopaths are MDs, some arechiropractors, naturopaths or acupuncturists. Some are simply trained ashomeopaths.Whatyoushouldlookforisaclassicallytrainedhomeopathwhoiscertifiedbythe

Council for Homeopathic Certification uses the letters CCH after their name.These individuals have passed a test that indicates the high level of theircompetence.TheyhavealsomettheCouncil’srigorousstandardwithrespecttotheir education. You can find a certified homeopath at their websitewww.homeopathicdirectory.com

Another good resource for certified homeopaths is the American Institute ofHomeopathy.Theiraddress iswww.homeopathyusa.org.This isoldestmedicalorganizationintheUnitedStatesover3yearsolderthantheAmericanMedicalAssoc.

TheNationalCenterforHomeopathymaintainsalistofpracticinghomeopathsthroughouttheUS.Thisorganizationmakesnoclaimsaboutthecompetenceofthose it lists, but is a good place to start if you do not know how to find ahomeopathinyourarea.Thephonenumberislistedunderreferences.

AhomeopathicconsultationA visit to a homeopath is quite different than an appointment with a regulardoctor.Firstofall, thehomeopathwillbe interested inmany thingsaboutyouthat an ordinary doctorwould ignore. Homeopaths consider theway that youthink,feel,look,aswellashowyourparticularillnessaffectsyouaspartofthesymptomsthatwillhelpthemfindthecorrectremedyforyou.Toahomeopath,everythingaboutapersonexpresseswhotheyareandwhatmedicinetheymightneed. For example, your tendency to be warm or chilly as well as foodpreferencesareimportantinunderstandingyourcase.

EvenifahomeopathsawthreepeoplewithARMDinoneday,theywouldfocuson the unique aspects of each person’s situation. One person might be quitepassive inaccepting theirdiagnosiswhileanothermightbeveryanxious.Onepersonmightfearthattheireyeconditionwasasignofotherunderlyingdisease,whileanothermightfeelgratefulthattheyhadonlyaneyecondition.Similarly,onepersonmighthaveinsomniaoranxietyatnightwhileanothersleepssoundlybutawakenswithaheadachealmosteveryday.Allofthesedistinctionswouldbeimportanttothehomeopath.Alongwiththesecharacteristics,thehomeopathmightaskaboutyourchildhoodandyourdreams.

Manypeoplereportthattheirvisittoahomeopathisoneofthemostenjoyableexperiences that theyhavehad.Thevisit usually takes fromone to twohoursandisconductedinanatmospherefreeofjudgment.Thehomeopath’sfocusiscompletelyontheclientandonanythingheorshewantstodiscuss.Thereisnopressuretodiscussthingsthatmaketheclientuncomfortable.

Shortlyafter thevisit, thehomeopathwillprescribea remedyandwill tell theclient how to obtain it. The next appointment will probably be in four to sixweeks.Atthattimethehomeopathwillassesshowwelltheremedyhasworked.He or shemay ormay not prescribe another remedy at that time. In terms ofexpectations, it is important for patients to know that long term chronicconditionsmaytakeawhiletoresolvefully.Aruleofthumbisthatonemonthisrequiredtohealapersonforeachyeartheyhavehadthedisease.Allthewhilethe remedy is working deeply and the person’s underlying state is beingstrengthened.

Oneofmypatientsillustratesthemind/bodyeffectofhomeopathyverywell.Heisayoungmanwhohashadretinitispigmentosissincehewasaboy.Heisbothartistic and athletic but his diminished peripheral visionmakes it difficult forhimtoenjoytheseactivities.Heisalonerbynaturebutwouldliketohavemoresatisfying relationships.When I first saw him, Iwas aware of a deep sadnessabouthim,althoughhewasquiteunemotionalintheconsultation.AsheopenedupIdiscovered thathewasquitedepressed,and thathewaspreoccupiedwiththoughtsofdeath.

Iprescribedaremedythatiswellknowntohelppeoplereleasegriefandotherstrongemotionswhentheyareheldin.Sincetakinghisprescription,hehashadmanydreamswithemotionalcontent.Hehasalsodecided thathewantsmoresatisfying social contacts and has developed a lot of insight into how hesabotagespossibilities in theseareas.He is lessmoody,moreactive,andmore

interestedinpursuingotherlifestylechangesthatwillimprovehisvision.

HomeopathyandARMDI have treated many patients who have ARMD with homeopathy. And Irecommendthatafterpropernutritionandvitamintherapypatientsimmediatelybegin homeopathic treatment. Many patients will notice an immediateimprovement of vision; others will notice a slow improvement over severalmonths.Mostpatientswill experiencean improvementof theirwell-beingandoutlook. Many other ailments, such as arthritis, will also improve underhomeopathictreatment.

There is a longhistory of treating eye conditionswith homeopathy.For aboutseventy years, from 1870 to 1940, the College of the New York OphthalmicHospital offered postgraduate courses in homeopathic ophthalmology. Duringthis same period, there was a medical society devoted to homeopathy andophthalmologyandtwojournalspublishedintheUS.From1870to1916,twelvemajor works on the homeopathic treatment of eye diseases were published.Manycaseswerepublishedintheliteratureofthetime,showingimprovementinavarietyofeyediseases.Thesewereall themoreremarkablesincetherewerenoothertreatmentsavailableatthetimeforseriouseyedisorders.Becausethisisstilltruewithmaculardegeneration,homeopathyisavitallyimportantpartoftherapyforthiscondition.

I urge you to consider homeopathic treatment along with implementing thelifestylechangesdescribed in theearlierchaptersof thisbook.Homeopathy isalsocompatiblewithchelation therapyandmicrocurrent stimulation.Youcandoallof these togiveyourselfacomprehensivehealingexperienceaswellasmaximizeyourchancetoreverseyourARMD.

ChecklistforStepTen√Visitahealthfoodstoreandlookatthehomeopathicremedysection.

√ Purchase something for your own use, such as Arnica spray for injuries orCalendulaointmentforcuts.

√ContacttheCouncilofHomeopathicCertificationtodeterminewhetherthereisahomeopathinyourarea.

Step Eleven: Microcurrent Stimulation: Wake upyourEyes

AftertreatmentwithMicrocurrentStimulationIlefttheofficethatsamedaywithmyvisionimprovedto20/25.Icouldlegallydriveagain.Asimportantasthatis,withtheuseofMicrocurrentStimulationathome,myvisionhasremainedthesameformorethanninemonthsnow.Pleaseleteveryonewhocanbenefitfromthistreatmentknowthatthereishope.B.J.C.,Naples,Florida

In this chapter, I am going to introduce you to one of themost revolutionarytreatments forARMD. It is calledMicrocurrentStimulation, and it consistsofapplyingweakcurrenttotheenergy,oracupressure,pointsthatencircletheeyeonthebonyridge.

IhavebeenusingMicrocurrentStimulationsinceAugustof1998andhavebeenveryimpressedwiththeimprovementIhaveseeninthevisionofpatientswithARMD. Most patients will begin to see an improvement after 4 days oftreatment. This is a therapy that can be done at home with some simpleinstructions. The physicians using this device, myself included, are seeing ameasurableimprovementin70%oftheirpatients.MicrocurrentStimulationusesequipment similar to that used by doctors and in hospitals on a daily basis tohelpwithpainmanagement,boneregeneration,andhealingtransplantedtissue.Youmay have known someonewith a bad backachewhowas given a TENS(Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Unit to wear for a while. Orperhaps you have heard of someone who suffered a severe fracture and wasgiven a TENS unit to stimulate healing of the plates of the bones. GraceHalloran(authorofAmazingGraceandvisiontherapyinstructor)usedittohelphealher8yearoldson’selbowfractureafterdoctorstoldherthearmwouldnotgrowbecausetheplatesweredamaged.“Herecoveredcompletely,andisnowagrownman...with twoequalarms.”Encouragedby this,shebegantouse itonhereyes.“SoonIrealizedmysightwasgettingbetter,bothatnightandinmyfieldofvision.”

In the sameway that chelation therapy uses a chemical substance for anotherpurpose than its main medical application, Microcurrent Stimulation uses adevice similar to the TENS for another purpose. Microcurrent Stimulationdevicesareavailablethroughmyofficeandfromseveralmanufacturers,phonenumbers and websites are listed in the Resources section. The devices are

patented and approved for marketing by the FDA. However, you need aphysician’sprescription togetone.This isnotbecause theyaredangerousbutbecausewefeelthatpatientsneedtobetrainedandsupportedintheiruse.

Using the Microcurrent Stimulation is not only painless, it is experienced aspleasantbymostpatients.Thetechniqueinvolvestouchinganelectrode,whichis thesizeandshapeofapencil, topointson thebonyridgearoundyoureye.Thepatient isalwaysincontrolof the levelofcurrent,andthebestresultsareobtainedwhenvirtuallynocurrentisperceptible.Thedeviceisveryeasytouse.Replacementandupgradedpartsarereadilyavailablefromthemanufacturer.

Themacularspecialistscangiveonlynegativeadvice,butnotone...hadatreatment to improve my vision with Microcurrent Stimulation theimprovementsofarhasbeenthatIcanreadanadditionallineonthechart,but further, my general vision is clearer and brighter. I am greatlyencouraged.R.L.R.,BoyntonBeach,Florida

ThetheorybehindtheeffectivenessofMicrocurrentStimulationisthatourcellsarelikebatteries.Whenweageordevelopadegenerativedisease,thesebatteriesbecome incapableof retaining theirpropercharge.Theyneed tobe stimulatedjustasacarbatterydoeswhenitis‘dead’withthecurrentfromanothersource.The flow of current from cell to cell and within cells promotes repair andregenerationoftissue.InARMD,itpromotestheflushingawayoftoxinswhileenergizingthetissuesoftheretinaandmacula.YouwillrecallthatdryARMDischaracterizedby theaccumulationof residue in themaculawhencirculation isinadequatetoremoveit.

Theunitcomesinapackageaboutthesizeofasmallhandbag.Allcomponentsareneatlypackaged,andtheinstructionsareveryclear.Patientswhoareabletovisit an ophthalmologist’s office for their initial instruction and start-uptreatmentsshoulddoso.Theywillthenfollowthisserieswithhometreatments.Thetreatmentstakeabout15to30minutestocomplete.

HowdoesMicrocurrentStimulationwork?There are several metabolic processes that are enhanced through the use ofMicrocurrentStimulation.Thefirstistoboostthecells’abilitytoridthemselvesofwasteproducts.Acellwith ‘stuck’wasteproductsbecomesadeadcellandinterfereswithcellular communication throughout theareawhere it is located.Cells need to take in nutrients and eliminate waste like every other living

organism. The energy supplied by Microcurrent Stimulation allows cells tobecomemorevitalandlesssluggishindoingso.ThesecondwayMicrocurrentStimulationworks is by increasing the blood supply to the area stimulated.Asimple study measuring the size of blood vessels before and after treatmentshowed that virtually all blood vessels were larger after treatment. Thisdemonstrateshowthistherapybringsanewbloodsupplytotheareatonourishandrefreshcellsandtissues.MicrocurrentStimulationwasalsoshowntorelaxmuscles in the treated area. This, of course, also paves theway for increasednutrition and oxygenation of tissues. Inmacular degeneration, the retinal cellsaresickandnotfunctioningproperly.Theelectricalcurrentgentlywakesupthecellsfromsleepandstimulatesthehealingprocess.

ThebodyelectricIt may come as a surprise to you to know that prior to the early part of thiscentury,healingthroughtheuseofelectrictherapywasquitewellaccepted.Asthe world of medicine became more focused on proof and scientificexplanations,biochemistrycametodominatetheformoftreatment.Wemustnotoverlook the fact that this coincidedwith the dawn of an erawhere syntheticchemicalproducts,includingdrugs,werefirstdeveloped.Interestingly,chemicalformulas are based on an understanding of atomic theory – that matter iscomposedofatomsthathavecomponentsthatarebothpositiveandnegativelycharged. Chemical bonding is the result of atoms attempting to stabilizethemselves by combiningwith other atoms. Itmakes sense, then, to postulatethatalloflifeiscomposedof‘charged’matter.Thisincludesthehumanbody,allofitstissues,cells,andfluids.

Whenatomscombinewitheachother, theyexchangeelectrons, thenegativelychargedouter elements in their shell.This flowof electrons fromoneatom toanother is called current and it goes on continuously in our bodies aswell asother living forms. Some scientists believe that there are specialized cells thatareresponsibleforconductingcurrent.Thesecellsformrapidlyatthesiteofaninjuryinordertopromotehealing.Studieshavemeasuredanincreaseinpositivecharge at injury and amputation sites. This tends to return to negative afterhealingisunderway.Thetheoryisthatthechargeattractshealingforcesinthebody to congregate at the injury site. When researchers have attempted tomanipulatetheflowofelectricitytoinjurysites,theyhaverepeatedlydiscoveredthatalowcurrentisthemostusefultoenhancehealing.Infact,astrongcurrentcandisrupt it.That iswhy, inMicrocurrentStimulation, the flowof current isimperceptible.

TreatmentprotocolPatients who want to useMicrocurrent Stimulation first need a complete eyeexamination. The dry type of ARMD responds better to MicrocurrentStimulationalthoughmanypatientswith thewet formalsonoticeasignificantimprovement.Patientswithvisionbetterthan20/400vision(beingabletobarelyseethebig“E”ontheeyechart)alsorespondbettertotreatmentalthoughIhaveseendramaticimprovementinpatientswithworsevision.

Sam Snead, 85 year old professional golfer, announced his return to golf andintentiontoobtainadriver’slicenseafterundergoingMicrocurrentStimulationtreatmentforhismaculardegeneration.Hisvisionwentfrom20/100to20/30inoneeyeafteracourseoftreatment.

Patients receive eight office treatmentswith theMicrocurrent Stimulation unitover a oneweek period. Then they receive instructions on the home unit andbegintreatmenttwiceadayfor3months.Afterthatthetreatmentsarereducedtoonceadayfor3monthsandthenseveraltimesaweektomaintainthelevelofvision. Special glasses are being developed thatwillmake self-treatment eveneasier.Theywillbeanall-in-oneunitthattargetstheacupuncturepointsneartheeyesandprovidesthestimulationsimplybyputtingthemon.

MAJORACUPRESSUREPOINTSLOCATEDAROUNDTHEEYE

It is also important to begin vitamin andmineral therapy duringMicrocurrentStimulation treatment. All patients in my practice begin the MacularDegenerationFormula(Onepackettwiceaday)andtheOcularFunctionSpraythreespraysunderthetonguetwiceaday.

ResearchOne study that included patientswithARMD showed impressive results. The

averageimprovementforpatientswhousedMicrocurrentStimulationfortwotosevenyearswas2.125additionallettersreadontheSnellenchart.Patientsalsoreported that their vision was brighter. A similar group who did not receiveMicrocurrentStimulationtreatmenthadalossof7.1lettersoverthesametimeperiod.

NodiscussionofMicrocurrentStimulationwouldbecompletewithoutmentionof the pioneeringwork of John Jarding, an optometrist inHot Springs, SouthDakota.HissearchforawaytohelphispatientswithARMDledhimtobeginthisworkovertenyearsago,whenveryfewhadheardofit.Hepresentedittothescientificcommunityandmanyofushavebeenveryactiveinattemptingtobringthistechniqueintomainstreammedicalcare.

IsMicrocurrentStimulationforyou?It is hard not be impressedwith the results of this treatment, especially for acondition regarded as hopeless by conventional medicine. You may well bewondering if this is somethingforyou toconsiderdoing. Iwould like toofferthisguidance.Peoplewhohavehadseriousdeterioration,sothattheirvisionis20/400orworse,orthosewithwetformARMDwhohavehadbadeffectsfromlaser surgery can alsobenefit but improvement invisionwill bemuch slower.Thosewhoarenewlydiagnosedandhaveasmalllossinacuitywillmostlikelyrespondthebest.IndividualswhohavehadcataractsurgeryshouldconsiderthistherapysinceARMDoftenfollowscataractsurgery.Thenextthingtoconsiderisyourcommitment.OnceyouembarkonMicrocurrentStimulationtherapyandhave realized improvement in your vision, youwill need to continue doing itseveraltimesweekly.Thosewhohavestoppedthetherapyhavehadtheirvisiondeteriorate.However,onceyouowntheunitandlearnthetechnique,thisisnotahardship

Thepriceoftheunitisaround$1500,althoughthiscanvarydependingonhowyou obtain it. This is a one time purchase and it includes all the equipmentneeded for years of use. As of this writing, neither Medicare nor privateinsurancepaysforthedeviceorthetreatment.

Thewife of one ofmy patients (JS) writes this after her husband visitedmyoffice for his initial set ofMicrocurrent Stimulation treatments. Fortunately, Iheargoodnewslikethisquiteoften.

We left forFlorida thenextday.Along thewayhebegan to see the treesalongsidethecaronthehighway.Laterhesawacaraheadofusabout150

feetaway.Sincethatdayhehasbeenabletoseethingsonaday-at-a-timebasis.Hesawhisfaceinamirror,madeaphonecallwithnohelp,andcanpickoutnumbersonacalculator.HestillsitsclosetotheTV,buthecanseemanymoredetails.Hesawtheredandgreenonastoplight.Jack’sdistancevision,thusfar,hasprogressedfasterthanhisclosevision.But,ashesays,‘Ifitneverprogressesanyfarther...butholdswhereitisrightnow,he’llbethe happiest man on earth.’ We, and all our friends, are someone we’vegivenyournumberto.Thankyoufortryingwhentheotherspecialiststoldus,‘NothingcanbedoneforARMDatthistime.’A.S.,NewPortRicheyFlorida.

AnewtechniquecalledFrequencySpecificMicrocurrent(FSM)hasproducedadramatic improvement in treatmentoutcomesofmaculardegeneration. Insteadofusingbasicgenericfrequencieswhichhavealowleveleffectonthediseasedeye tissue we now can use frequencies specific to the retinal tissue and thepathology.Theenergyisdrivenintotheareaneededfortissuerepair.

The roots of Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) date back to the early1900’s fromDr.AlbertAbrams,whowas the first physician to use calibratedinstruments capable of detecting the radiations of living tissue. Dr. Abramsconcludedthatallmatterradiateselectromagneticenergyandthecharacteristicsoftheradiationdependsupontheuniquemolecularstructure.

ModernFSMutilizeshundredsoffrequencieswithintherangeof.01to999Hzwithvaryingintensitiesof20to600microamps.Eachtissueinthebodyhasanindividualizedfrequenciesforexampletheretinahasafrequencyof95Hzandmacula137Hz.Eachtypeofpathologyalsohasafrequency.Hemorrhagehasafrequencyof18andedemais14.

FSMis“frequencyspecific”becausethefrequenciesofthetissueandthatofthepathologyare“matched”withwithtwofrequencies.Forexamplehemorrhageinthe macula the FSM treatment would use 18 Hz and 137 Hz. This coupledfrequenciesthenmatchestheexactabnormalitiesthatarepresentinthedamagedtissue. The desired effect is to neutralize those frequencies that are indisharmony.

I have now explained three treatments for ARMD. These are homeopathy,chelation therapy, andMicrocurrentStimulation.At this step in theprocessofyourhealing,youneedtoselectoneoftheseasthefinalphaseofyourprogramtoreverseyourARMD.Youmayfind,eventually,thatyoucanbenefitfromtwoor maybe all three techniques. Variables for this include the severity of your

condition, theproximityofdoctorswhooffer thesetreatments,andtheamountof timeandmoneyyoucan spend. Iurgeyounot todepriveyourselfof thesesimpleandeffectivetechniques.Thenextchapteroffersareviewofthematerialinthisbookasawaytosolidifyyourprogram.

ChecklistforStepEleven√ReadMicrocurrentStimulation;MiracleEyeCurebyEdwardC.Kondrot

√ Visit the College of Syntonics Website. Many of these eye doctors useMicrocurrentintheirpractice.www.syntonicphototherapy.com

Step Twelve: Put it All Together: 90 Days to BetterVisionHopefullythisbookhaschallengedyoutoassumecontrolofyourvision–andyouroverallhealth.Havingdonethis,youwillwanttosetgoalsforyourself–and begin to make choices – some small, some large – that will move youtowardyourgoals. Iurgeyou tomakehaste slowly.Makehastebecauseyourconditionisonethat,leftalone,willdeterioratesteadily.Thesooneryoubeginaprogram to reverse it, the better. Go slowly in the sense of not feelingoverwhelmed.Remember,managingstressappliestothisprocessalso.

Youmayhavenoticedthatthisbookisdividedintothreemainsections.Thefirstfour chapters urge you to take charge of your health through assertiveness,improved diet, an exercise program, and stress reduction. The second sectiontargetsyoureyesbyrecommendingexercisesandrelaxationforthemaswellasspecific foods, supplements, and herbal additions to your diet. Youmight saythatthisisasecondlevelorhigherdegreeofcommitment.Then,inthelastthreechapters,Iexplained,indetail,threetherapiesthatzoneinonyourARMDinatreatment sense. All of this may seem a little overwhelming. That is why Irecommend a ninety day time period to ‘phase in’ all the aspects of yourpersonalplanforhealingyourvision.And,yes,Isuggestyoutakethirtydaysforeachofthesections.

ThefirstmonthTheworkyoudoindevelopingaprogrambasedontherecommendationsofthefirstfourchapterswillpayoffhandsomelyinmorewaysthanyoucanimaginejustyet.Asoundhealthfuldiet,regularexercise,andlearningawaytorelaxarekeystoavital,satisfyinglife.Butweareactuallygoingtostartatthebeginning

In the first chapter, I challenged you to inform yourself about your condition.Youwouldbe amazed at thenumberof patients I seewhohaveno ideawhattheirdiagnosisisorwhentheirconditionbegan.Iwantyoutopositionyourselfsquarelyinchargeofyourhealthandyourvision.Sure,youcanandshouldusedoctors and specialists of all sorts to help you recover. But use them likeconsultants.Listentotheiradviceandcompareittoalltheotherinformationyouhave, including the information in thisbook.Donothandoveryourpower toyourdoctor.Ifyouwerebuyinganewkitchenapplianceoranewcar,wouldyoujust tell the salesperson to give you whatever they thought you needed? Ofcoursenot.Yet,whenitcomestoourhealthandourbodiesweareveryapttobe

cowedintosubmissionbytheauthorityofadoctor.Therefore,Isuggestthatyoulisten carefully to your diagnosis and forget whatever your doctor says aboutyourprognosis.Onceyou takeyourhealing intoyourownhands,youare theonlyauthorityaboutit.

ReshapeYourEatingHabitsI have laid it our pretty clearly in the second chapter. Now you need themotivationtodoit.Youhaveaseriousdegenerativedisease.Thismeansthat,atsomelevel,yourbodyhasatoxicoverload.Starttocleanupyouract.WhileIemphasizedwhattoadd,(youwillbequitebusyeatingdailyservingsofgreensamongyour fiveservingsoforganicproduce)youmayneed toconcentrateongivingsomethingsup.Eliminatethefollowingfoodsfromyourdietasrapidlyaspossible.Theyareatbestemptycaloriesandatworstabsolutelyharmful tothehealthofyoureyes–andtherestofyou.

Selectyourformofexerciseandgetgoing.Rereadthesectiononreboundingonatrampoline.Thisissoeasy,convenient,economical,andfun.Itshealthbenefitsareenormous.Youmaybeapersonwholikesagymenvironment.Joinoneandfigure out how and when you are going to get there. Walking is easy. Racewalkingisevenmorebeneficialforthetimeinvolved.Makeexerciseanewandpositiveaddictiontotaketheplaceofsomeofthenegativeoneslistedabove.

Begin to relaxonadailybasis.Yogacombinesexerciseand relaxation. In thebeginning,youmayneedto thinkaboutefficiencies like thissothatyoutouchbase on all these points in the first 30 days.Whenever you balk at all thesechanges, consider the alternative. Consider helplessly watching your sightdeteriorateoverthenextfewyearsuntilyoucannotseethefacesoflovedones,goanywherealone,andbecomeaburdentoyourfamily.Theprospectofsuchalimitedlifeshouldbemotivation!

ThesecondmonthWiththebasicsofdiet,exercise,andrelaxationinplace,youarenowreadytodesignyour focusedeyehealthprogram.The focus isonyoureyesof course,

andtheprogramhasfourparts.

PartOnemeansbeginningadailyroutineofeyerelaxationandexercise.Asyouroverallhealthandcirculationimprovesthroughthechangesyoumadeinthefirstmonth,itistimetotakesomeofthenourishmentdirectlytoyoureyes.Palmingcanbecomeapartofyourrelaxationprogramwithvirtuallynoeffortatall.Theothertechniquesareeasytodoanddonotrequiremuchtime.Thechallengeistoremembertodothem.But,youarebecominganexpertatchangealready.

Part two requires you to add the lutein and zeaxanthin containing foods wetalkedaboutinthesixthchapter.Withagreatnewdietunderyourbelt,addingthese daily is like frosting on the cake. Remember cake? Find your favoritesamong thegreensandwork them intoeachday’s food intake.Even ifyoueatnothingelse,eatyourgreens.

Clear some counter space for your Pure Focus TM and the vitamin/mineralsupplements I’ve outlined for you. Look around for the most effective andefficientwaytotakethem.Thefewerpillsandcapsulesthebetter.

Be certain that the wonderful eye herbs – bilberry, ginkgo, and eyebright areamongyoursupplements.Insomecasesyoucanfindtheseasingredientsinhighqualityeyeformulas.Ifnot,thenyouwillneedtobuyandtakethemseparately.

ThethirdmonthNowit is time tochoosea first technique to tryandhealyourvision.Youarestronger and healthier now from the good diet and exercise. You are morerelaxedtoo.Perhapsadirectionhascometoyouduringoneofyourrelaxationsessions. The body knowswhat is good for it. As you detoxify and build upthroughbetternutrition,youwillfindyourselfabletomakebetterchoicesinallareasofyourlife.Itistimetochoosetobeginchelationtherapy,homeopathy,orMicrocurrentStimulation.Youdonotneedtolimityourselftooneofthese,butyouwillprobablywanttobeginwithone.

ChelationisagoodchoiceifyouhaveheartorcirculatoryproblemsinadditiontoyourARMD.This isanotheroneof thoseoverallhealthenhancingchoices.Unfortunately you may not be able to find a doctor in your area who doeschelation.Chelationdoesrequireaconsiderableoutlayoftimeandmoneysincemanysessionsarerequired.However,ifithelpsyouavoidaninvasivesurgicalprocedureforyourheartdiseaseitispriceless.

Homeopathy is an excellent choice if you feel that negativemental/emotional

statesarepartofyouroverallapproachtolife.Itwillalsobeabletohelpwithchronic conditions, tendencies and weaknesses you have had since birth,hormonal problems, and energy and sleep difficulties.Of course, homeopathycan be combined with chelation andMicrocurrent Stimulation. If there is nohomeopath in your area, you might be able to find one who will work on atelephoneconsultationbasis,afteronevisit,orinplaceofavisit.Theimportantthingistopursuethisifitresonateswithyou.

Microcurrent Stimulation is something I recommend for all patients withARMD.Aftertheinitialpaymentfortheequipment,therearenoadditionalfees.It issomething thatyoucandoathome,onyourownschedule,andforever ifyou choose. You can order your unit while you are looking for a source forchelationand/orhomeopathy.

IalsosuggestyouconsidertheHealingtheEyeandWellnessthree-dayprogram.You will experience three full days of intensive, one-on-one care under mydirection.We will determine the right combination of Microcurrent, nutritionandhomeopathy tobeginyourvisual recovery.Wewill alsoprovide thoroughinstructions for using yourMicrocurrent machine at home for continued self-care.Pleasecallourofficeformoreinformationregardingthisprogramat800-430-9328.

Ihave just toldyouhow to revolutionizeyour lifeandovercomea lifetimeofbadhabits in threemonths. Ihopeyoubelieve inyourselfenoughtodo this. IhopeyouhavewhateversupportyouneedtoassumeresponsibilityforreversingyourARMD.Ihavetriedtogiveyouthetoolsandtheencouragementthatyouwillnotfindanywhereelse.Pleasetakethesegiftsandusethemtohealyourselfinmind,body,andspirit.

TWELVESTEPSTOBETTERVISION1.EatWell2.ExerciseyourBody3.ControlStress4.SupplementYourDiet5.Eatforyoursight6.UseHerbsforyoureyes7.ExerciseYourEyes8.Chooseatherapy:9.Chelation10.Homeopathy11.MicrocurrentStimulation12.PutitAllTogether!

ResourcesChapterOne

TheAmslerGrid

Instructions

1.Sitingoodlight;putonyourreadingornearglasses.2.Holdthegrid12inchesfromyoureyes.3.Coverthelefteyeandlookdirectlyattheblackdot.4.Whilelookingatthedot,lookatthegridpatternwithyoursidevision.Noteanymissingordistortedlinesorgrayareas.Markthesewithapencil.5.Covertherighteyeandrepeat#3and4.

ChapterFour

Books

Bates,W.H.,M.D.,TheCureofImperfectSightbyTreatmentWithoutGlasses(NewYork:CentralFixationPublishing,1920)Pelletier,Kenneth,MindAsHealer,MindAsSlayer,DelacortePress,1977Selye,Hans,StressWithoutDistress,NewAmericanLibrary,1974

ChapterFive

Books

Mansfield,Peter,TheBatesMethod,VermilionPress,London,1992Schneider,Meir,MyLifeandVision,VikingPenguin,NewYork,1987Quackenbush, Tom, Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight – Naturally!NorthAtlanticBooks,Berkeley,1997

Organizations

To locate vision educators trained in the Bates method, go towww.visioneducators.org

Tolocateeyedoctors,gotowww.syntonicphototherapy.com

ChapterSix

ToorderOcularFunctionSpray,contactNutritionalResearchLLC877-341-2703www.nutritionalresearch.net

ChapterSeven

Haas,Elson,StayingHealthywithNutrition,Berkeley,CelestialArts,1992

Murray, Michael ND & Pizzorno, Joseph ND, Encyclopedia of NaturalMedicine,Rocklin,CA,PrimaPublishing,1991

ToorderMacularDegenerationFormula, contactNutritionalResearchLLC at877-341-2703www.nutritionalresearch.net

ChapterNine

ACAMAmericanCollegeofAdvancementinMedicineReferraltodoctorswhousechelationtherapy800-532-3688

Keepuptodateonalternativecaretreatments!SubscribetoRobertRowen’s2ndOpinionNewsletter800-728-2288www.secondopinionnewsletter.com

ChapterTen

Referral

CouncilofHomeopathicCertificationTolocatecertifiedhomeopaths425-413-2231www.homeopathicdirectory.com

AmericanInstituteofHomeopathyTolocateamedicaldoctorcertifiedinhomeopathy888-445-9988www.homeopathyusa.org

NationalCenterforHomeopathyReferraltohomeopathsthroughoutthenation703-548-7790www.homeopathic.org

HomeopathicEducationalResourcesRequesttheircatalogofbooksonhomeopathy.800-359-9051

Books

Nauman,Eileen&Derin-Kellog,G.HelpandHomeopathy, Cottonwood,AZ,BlueTurtlePublishingCo,1998Thisisanexcellentresourceforusinghomeopathyinmedicalemergencies.

DesertInstituteofClassicalHomeopathyPhoenix,AZTwoprogramwithclinicaltrainingContactToddRowe,MD602-347-7950

SanDiegoCenterforHomeopathicEducationandTrainingEscondidoCA619-260-1256

ChapterEleven

Many of the eye doctors listed on the College of Syntonics website offerMicrocurrenttherapywww.syntonicsphototherapy.com

ReceiveaSpecialReport:10EssentialThingstoImproveyourEyesight

byDr.Kondrot

1.Themostcommonlyprescribedvitaminbyeyedoctorsisactuallydeficientinthiskeyingredient!2. Sixty percent of patients lack this critical element even while takingsupplements.3.Drinkingtheappropriateamountofwatercanhelpimproveeyesight.4. Cataract surgery should be a last resort after trying other non-evasivetreatments.5.Somesunglassesactuallydomoreharmthangood.6. There is a simple, non-evasive treatment that can wake up dysfunctionalretinalcellsandimprovevision.7.Alotionisavailablethatreverseyearsofeyechangescausedbyheavymetalpoisoning.8.Studiesindicatelasersurgerymayactuallymakevisionworse.9. Abnormalities of the craniosacral pump, which can lead to many eyeproblems,canbecorrectedbyapainlessfive-minutetreatment!10. Poor diet isn’t themain culprit of nutritional balances; poor digestion andabsorptionaretoblame.

Call800-430-9328www.healingtheeye.com

AbouttheAuthorEdward Kondrot, MD, received his medical degree from the HahnemannMedical College in Philadelphia in 1977. He completed his training inophthalmologyatSt.FrancisHospitalinPittsburghandtheScheieEyeInstituteinPhiladelphiain1981.HemaintainspracticesinPittsburgh,PennsylvaniaandPhoenix,Arizona.

Dr.Kondrothaspracticedhomeopathysince1990andreceivedadiplomafromtheHahnemannCollegeofHomeopathyinPointRichmondCaliforniain1996.He contributed to the Clinicians’ Rapid Access Guide to Complementary andAlternative Medicine, Mosby 2000, and has written numerous articles andconducted seminars for professional and lay audiences on the use ofhomeopathy, nutrition, Microcurrent Stimulation, and chelation therapy fordiseasesoftheeye.Heisrecognizedasapioneerintheuseofhomeopathyforeye conditions and is on the faculty of theDesert Institute ofHomeopathy inPhoenix,ArizonaaswellasattheSanDiegoCenterforHomeopathicEducationandHealing.

Dr.Kondrotcanbereachedat

800-430-9328ekondrot@pipeline.comwww.healingtheeye.com

Dr.Kondrot’sExclusiveProgramstoImproveYourEyesight

Foryourconvenience,Dr.Kondrot’sHealingtheEyeandWellnessClinicofferstwoinnovativeeyetreatmentprograms:The3DayinOfficeandtheFastTrackProgramtobeginMicrocurrent.

3DayinOfficeYou will experience three full days of intensive, one-on-one care with Dr.Kondrot.ThedoctorwillalsoprovidethoroughinstructionsforusingyourMCSmachineathomeforcontinuedself-care.

3DayinOfficeprogramSystemincludes:

1.Thoroughreviewofyourcasehistoryandeyerecord

2.Eyeexamandevaluation

3.Nutritionalhomeopathicevaluation,includingzinctest

4.MeridianEnergyAnalysis

5. Six office MCS treatment sessions (including color therapy andbiomodulation)anddetailedinstructionsforhomecare

6.IVtherapiesdependingonyourneed

7.MCSunitwithglovestoadministerselftreatmentathome

8.Threefollow-upexaminations(inofficeorbytelephone)

9. Access to telephone support by the clinic staff or directly with Dr.Kondrot

10.One year of home care follow-up, either in office or by telephone (atotalof threehalfhourappointmentsat threeprogresscheckpoints: threemonth,sixmonth,andninemonthmarks)

FastTracktobeginMicrocurrent(Noneedtotraveltoanothercity)1.Thoroughreviewofyourcasehistoryandeyerecords

2. Nutritional evaluation, including zinc test and 6 hour urine for heavymetals

3.DVD/CDModulesofHomeTrainingwhichinclude:

NutritionandVitaminsforyoueyediseaseHydrationandDetoxIntroductiontoMicrocurrent

4.MCSunitwithglovestoadministerself-treatmentathome

5.Twofollow-upexaminationsbytelephone

6. Access to telephone support by the clinic staff or directly with Dr.Kondrot

Formoreinformationcall800-430-9328or480-595-3181.

info@HealingTheEye.comwww.HealingTheEye.com

TableofContentsForewordbyBillCoorsForewordbyDahliaHirsch,MDIntroductionStepOne:UnderstandyourConditionYouwillnotloseallyoursight!WhodevelopsAge-RelatedMacularDegeneration?WhatcausesARMD?Whatisdegeneration?KnowyourspecificdiagnosisSymptomsofmaculardegenerationThereishopeHealyoureyes,healyourselfChecklistforStepOneStepTwo:FeastyourEyesFoodasmedicineAddinordertosubtractFarmers’marketsHealthfoodstoresWhyorganic?ChangelikethetortoiseWhattoaddDigestionChecklistforStepTwoStepThree:ExerciseWhyexercise?Whatisaerobic?TypesofexerciseThetrampolineMusicYogaWaterworkoutsOrientalformsofexerciseSynergyCheckListforStepThreeStepFour:CopewithStress

YoucanchooseyourresponseBalanceisthegoalCreatingemotionaldistanceWhatisstress?PhysicalcomponentsofthestressresponseHowstressmakesyousickStressandeyediseaseTherelaxationresponseSixwaystorelaxHealingtheeyeevokingrelaxationinsteadofstressChecklistforStepFourStepFive:ExerciseandRelaxyourEyesHoweyedoctorscanharmyouThedifferencebetweeneyesightandvisionAldousHuxleymeetsDr.BatesExerciseandrelaxyoureyesvisiontherapyTheBatesexercisesandARMDEyerelaxationandfocusingexercisesPalmingQuickPalmingSwingingExerciseandrelaxyoureyessunningSlowandrapidblinkingAcupressureMassageyourwholeheadWhattoExpectChecklistforStepFiveStepSix:FeedyourMaculaforBetterSightEatcolorfulfoodstoenhanceyoureyepigmentTwotypesofpigmentResearchonluteinandzeaxanthinAgreendietLeafygreensruleDetoxifySupplementwithluteinChecklistforStepSixStepSeven:SupplementyourDietDoyouneedsupplements?Supplementdosage

Anti-oxidantsandfreeradicalsVitaminsVitaminABeta-caroteneVitaminCVitaminEMineralsChromiumSeleniumHowtogetallyourvitaminsandmineralsMacularDegenerationNutritionalFormulaChecklistforStepSevenStepEight:ThreeImportantHerbsforyourVisionWhatareherbs?HowtotakeherbsBilberryGinkgobilobaEyebrightThreeherbsforyourvision:thepowerofherbsChecklistforStepEightStepNine:ChelationTherapy–ImproveCirculationtoYourEyeChelationtherapyHowischelationadministered?HowchelationworksFindingadoctorforchelationChecklistforStepNineStepTen:Homeopathy:HealfromWithinWhatishomeopathy?HomeopathicremediesHowdoremedieswork?ThepowerofhomeopathyTheoriginofhomeopathyChoosingahomeopathAhomeopathicconsultationHomeopathyandARMDChecklistforStepTenStepEleven:MicrocurrentStimulation–WakeupyourEyesHowdoesMicrocurrentStimulationwork?Thebodyelectric

TreatmentprotocolIsMicrocurrentStimulationforyou?ChecklistforStepElevenStepTwelve:PutitallTogether–90DaystoBetterVisionThefirstmonthReshapeYourEatingHabitsThesecondmonthThethirdmonthTwelveStepstoBetterVisionResourcesAbouttheAuthorDr.Kondrot’sExclusiveProgramstoimproveyoursight3DayinOfficeFastTracktobeginMicrocurrent