China (shenzhen) Iriscope Factory, Iridology Asia Association & Domal International Medical Instrument Ltd

Iridology Practitioners

Iridologists generally use equipment such as a flashlight and magnifying glass, cameras or slit-lamp microscopes to examine a patient's irises for tissue changes, as well as features such as specific pigment patterns and "irregular stromal architecture". The markings and patterns are usually compared to an iris chart that correlates specific zones of the iris with specific parts of the body. Typical charts divide the iris into approximately 80-90 zones. For example, the zone corresponding to the kidney is often in the lower part of the iris just before 6 o'clock. However, iridologists use a number of different maps that do not necessarily agree with one another.According to iridologists , details in the iris are supposed to reflect changes in the tissues of the corresponding body organs. For example, acute inflammatory, chronic inflammatory and catharral signs are said to indicate involvement, maintenance, or healing of corresponding distant tissues, respectively. Other features that iridologists look for are contraction rings and Klumpenzellen, which are said to indicate various other health conditions, as interpreted in context.

Iridology

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Background

Iridology is the study of the iris (the colored part of the eye). The intention of iridology is to gain information about underlying diseases. Analysis of the iris has ancient roots, but iridology in its present sense was established by Philippi Meyers in the 1600s. Developed in Hungary in the 1800s by Dr. Ignatz von Pezcely and Nils Liljequist, iridology was later adapted by Bernard Jensen, an American chiropractor. Jensen correlated organs, body parts and functions with specific locations in the iris using detailed diagrams. Iridology grew in popularity in the 1900s. Studies have been published in Germany, Sweden, Norway, England, France, USA, Australia and elsewhere, and iridology is practiced worldwide.

Iridologists visually assess irises by directly examining them or by studying close-up photographs. Some iridologists use sclerology, a technique that studies lines on the sclera (the white part of the eye), which they believe can show changes in health patterns and conditions. One type of iridology called Rayid studies eye patterns to evaluate mental, emotional, spiritual and physical balance. Naturopaths and other practitioners may also practice iridology.

Theory

Iridology is based on the belief that each body region and organ has a corresponding location in the iris. Abnormalities in the iris are suggested to represent abnormalities in the respective organ. Iridologists believe that the degrees of light and darkness in the iris reflect general health.

An iridologist may use an ophthalmoscope to examine the iris or may use a special camera to take pictures of the iris. These color photographs or transparencies may be magnified in an attempt to identify weakness in the body or to diagnose disease. Microscopes and computer imaging may be also used.

Colors, marks, textures, fibers and pigmentation changes in the iris, as well as in the pupil and sclera, may be studied. These signs are thought to correlate with disease. Different colors or rings within the iris are believed to represent different aspects of health and to play a role in diagnosis. Some therapists are using iridology as a basis for recommending dietary supplements and/or herbs.

Evidence

Scientists have studied iridology for the following use:

Disease diagnosis

There is no proven scientific basis for iridology. Several studies in humans report that iridology is not effective for diagnosing disease.

Hypertension diagnosis

Preliminary research suggests that iridology may assist in the identification of individual predispositions for vascular diseases such as hypertension. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Unproven Uses

Iridology has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are life-threatening. Consult with a health care provider before using iridology for any use.

Allergies
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer
Circulatory disorders
Cough
Diabetes
Digestive system disorders
Eczema
Gallbladder disease
Heart disease
Glandular disorders Immune system problems
Intestinal disorders
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Low blood cell counts
Lung disease
Problems with blood sugar metabolism
Psoriasis
Stomach disorders
Tonsillitis
Ulcerative colitis
Underactive pancreas
Upper respiratory tract infections
Urinary stones

Potential Dangers

Iridology should not be used alone to diagnose disease. Studies of iridology have reported incorrect diagnoses, and potentially severe medical problems may thus go undiagnosed. In addition, research suggests that iridology may lead to inappropriate treatment. Iridology itself has not been reported as harmful in otherwise healthy people.

Summary

Differences in pupil size, magnification and the effect of oblique light may affect iridologist readings of patient photos. There is little agreement among iridologists regarding the iris key (irigraphy) and the interpretation of different sights. Some modern diseases are missing in the diagnostic system. Research suggests that iridology is not an effective method to diagnose or help treat any specific medical condition.

The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.

Resources

Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research

Selected Scientific Studies: Iridology

Natural Standard reviewed more than 60 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.

Some of the more recent studies are listed below:

Bartholomew RE, Likely M. Subsidising Australian pseudoscience: is iridology complementary medicine or witch doctoring? Aust N Z J Public Health 1998;22(1):163-164.
Barrett B. Complementary and alternative medicine: what's it all about? WMJ 2001;100(7):20-26.
Buchanan TJ, Sutherland CJ, Strettle RJ, et al. An investigation of the relationship between anatomical features in the iris and systemic disease with reference to iridology. Complement Ther Med 1996;4:98-102.
Caradonna B. Western medicine looks at iridology again. Iridol Rev J 1990;2(2):13-14.
Caradonna B. Iridology research: part 1. Design. Iridol Rev J 1994;2(3):3-5.
Demea S. Correlation between iridology and general pathology. Oftalmologia 2002;55(4):64-69.
Ernst E. Iridology: not useful and potentially harmful. Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118(1):120-121.
Friedman GD, Selby JV, Quesenberry CP, et al. Eye color and hypertension. Med Hypoth 1990;33(3):201-206.
Murphy CJ, Paul-Murphy J. Iridology. Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118(8):1141.
Knipschild P. Belief in the efficacy of alternative medicine among general practitioners in The Netherlands. Soc Sci Med 1990;31(5):625-626.
Metge F. Analytical comment on "Ernst E. Iridology: not useful and potentially harmful. Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118:120-1021." J Fr Ophtalmol 2000;Dec, 23(10):1069
Niggemann B, Gruber C. Unproven diagnostic procedures in IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Allergy 2004;59(8):806-808.
Norn M. Analysis of iris: history and future. Dan Medicinhist Arbog 2003;103-117.
Pokanevych VV. Iridology in Ukraine. Lik Sprava 1998;May, (3):152-156.
Stark DJ. Look into my eyes: iridology exposed. Med J Aust 1981;Dec 12-26, 2(12-13):676-679.
Um JY, Hwang CY, Hwang WJ. Association between iris constitution and apolipoprotein e gene polymorphism in hypertensives. J Altern Complement Med 2004;10(6):1101-1105.
Vader L. Alternative methods of ophthalmic treatment in Russia. Insight 1994;Apr, 19(1):10-13.
Worrall RS. Pseudoscience: a critical look at iridology. J Am Optom Assoc 1984;Oct, 55(10):735-739.