4 facts about microcurrent technology to support life-changing treatment of degenerative eye conditions
As an award-winning ophthalmologist and board-certified eye surgeon, Pua Manu Med Spa Director Dr. Nancy Chen has developed considerable expertise in treating ocular conditions. Our neighbors from across the Kapolei, Hawaii, area trust her skill and experience, as well as her use of advanced technologies to support life-changing treatments that restore visual acuity or sharpness. These technologies include microcurrent, and we welcome the opportunity to share the following four facts about how electrical current stimulation may be applied to treat eye damage.
1 – History
Microcurrent involves applying low-level electrical signals to stimulate tissues. The applications are wide-ranging in physical medicine, pain relief, rehabilitation, and tissue recovery. It is also a proven technology in ophthalmology. In fact, it has been used since the 1870s to treat ocular diseases and degeneration. A German ophthalmologist, Dr. Henry Dor, pioneered microcurrent technology in the field and treated patients with glaucoma, optic atrophy, amblyopia (“lazy eye”), and retinochoroiditis (inflammation of the retina and choroid).
2 – How it works
Both the microcurrents themselves and the frequencies associated with them are thought to have a positive effect on biological tissues. Specific frequencies or pulses applied in treatment stimulate a resonance effect in the targeted tissues, and microcurrent technology allows for a very precise approach. Healthy, surrounding tissues remain intact and are not treated. Researchers surmise that the above “resonance effect” results in the breakdown of the molecular bonds responsible for inflammation. Animal studies further bear this out, with microcurrents/specific frequencies being applied to considerably reduce ear inflammation (by up to 62%). The placebo group saw no change or improvement.
3 – Mechanism of action to support visual function
In part, it’s thought microcurrents stimulate favorable tissue changes in the eyes by increasing blood flow to the choroid. This part of the eye is essential to ocular health and function. It supplies blood to the outer layers of the retina but is also subject to an array of eye diseases and damage, including circulatory and inflammatory conditions. Following microcurrent, statistically significant increases in blood flow have been demonstrated in the macular zone responsible for processing central vision (what you see directly in front of you). Microcurrents are also thought to have a positive effect on gene expression, suppressing or inhibiting inflammatory factors. These represent just a few of the ways low-level electrical stimulation can have a real impact on affected tissues and structures of the eye.
4 – Macular degeneration research
It’s estimated that one out of every ten Americans aged 50 and older has early age-related macular degeneration. This common eye disease that damages central vision is generally classed as “dry” and “wet.” The former type is considered early-stage AMD, accounting for 85% to 90% of all cases. “Wet” AMD is largely late-stage and is associated with rapid vision loss. Microcurrent technology presents a promising treatment for this AMD, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In a study featured in Clinical Ophthalmology in 2015, 13 of 22 patients experienced improved visual acuity after several microcurrent treatments. Safety was furthermore demonstrated, as no patients experienced a progression in their disease or setbacks following treatment. Researchers also noted continuous improvements among those patients who maintained ongoing, monthly treatments, which supports the effectiveness of microcurrent in delaying degeneration and improving both wet and dry AMD symptoms.
Under the leadership of board-certified eye surgeon, Dr. Nancy Chen, Pua Manu Med Spa stays on the leading-edge of technologies to support the gift of sight and your overall health and well-being. We encourage you to contact us today to find out more about the true power of and applications for microcurrent technologies. Schedule your consultation by calling our team in Kapolei, HI at (808) 900-4351.
