Reversing AMD, Macular Degeneration

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Welcome to reverseamd.com. This site is dedicated to the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) based upon the work of Alston C. Lundgren, MD. Dr. Lundgren developed the experimental Santa Fe Eye Protocol to Reverse the Vision Loss of Macular Degeneration — henceforth abbreviated The Santa Fe Eye Protocol. It is the only documented treatment to reverse vision loss in cases of both Wet and Dry AMD. It also works in other retinal conditions including Stargardt's, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Histoplasmosis, Myopic Degeneration and several rare genetic conditions. In aggregate these all behave similarly to AMD — but the numbers and most experience is with AMD.

Dr. Lundgren will be presenting his November 2007 to March 2008 results at the next International Congress of Eye Research (English speaking academic ophthalmologists) in Beijing this September. The Abstract of his paper is posted at the end of this Home Page.

The Santa Fe Eye Protocol is a four-fold treatment that achieves measurable results through minimally invasive techniques. First, small steel studs are inserted in regions of the ear whose nerve endings have been shown to correspond with specific areas of the brain. By stimulating these nerves, cortisone and oxygen-rich blood are induced in the region of the retina. Second, needle electrodes are inserted in the fat around the eyeball and are stimulated with a mild electrical current. These electrodes stimulate the retina and surrounding tissues. Third, needles are inserted into specific points, which, through observation and Dr. Lundgren's personal experience, have been demonstrated to affect the eye. In Spring 2007, a forth component was added - electrically stimulating the scalp over the visual cortex which occupies a very considerable portion of the brain.

In the course of over 5,000 individual eye treatments on more than 600 individual patients, and as reported in two articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, this combination of physical and electric stimulation currently results in measurable improvements in the vision of approximately 85% of patients. The Santa Fe Eye Protocol has few risks, is minimally invasive and therefore is a welcome addition to traditional treatments such as vitamin therapy, thermal laser, Photodynamic Therapy, Macugen, Avastin and Lucentis.

Dr. Lundgren is so confident in the results of this protocol that all charges will be refunded if after four treatments there is not objective improvement in visual acuity. As measured on National Eye Institute ETDRS charts, one eye must test at least one line better in either near or distant vision. Most patients show much greater improvement.

Santa Fe Eye Protocol DVD To obtain a DVD of Dr. Lundgren's video, filmed in June 2007, please call (505) 986-0910. The video addresses macular degeneration, the Santa Fe Eye Protocol, and frequently asked questions. It is available for $12 and includes a print copy of this website.

Abstract of paper to be presented at the International Congress of Eye Research in Beijing, China September 2008:RESTORATION OF VISION LOSS IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION WITH MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE. A.C. Lundgren, MD, private practice, Santa Fe, NM, USA.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major cause of vision loss in the elderly (>65 yrs) population in USA. The AREDS Study has demonstrated the benefits of high dose antioxidant supplements in slowing the progression of AMD. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF antibodies (ranaibizumab) have been shown to stabilize vision in exudative ARMD, but vision improvement was found in only 34% of these patients. The efficacy and the safety of medical acupuncture were evaluated in an analysis of AMD patients (both dry and wet form with non-active and disciform lesions.) Patients underwent conventional therapy as well as receiving a standardized protocol of medical acupuncture treatments combining a number of different techniques. These techniques include Canadian Neuroanatomic Acupuncture, German Ear Acupuncture, Chinese and Japanese Scalp Acupuncture and French Energetics. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline visual acuity using both distant and near ETDRS eye charts. 73 individual patients (132 eyes) with dry AMD and 26 individual patients (36 eyes) with wet AMD were treated between November 2007 and March 2008. Mean intake visual acuity was 20 letters for those with dry AMD (20 letters equals Snellen 20/100) and 11 letters for those with wet AMD (10 letters equals Snellen 20/160.) The mean number of treatments per patient for both dry and wet AMD eyes was 4. The mean overall improvement in visual acuity for patients with dry AMD was 6.0 letters for distant vision and 3.9 letters for near vision. Patients with wet AMD improved 5.7 letters for distant vision and 5.1 letters for near vision.

Additionally, there were consistent improvements in contrast sensitivity as measured by Pelli-Robson charts, color discrimination as measured by isochromic charts and subjective vision as measured by VF-14 questionnaires. Six patients had overall mean decreased visual acuity of 3.25 letters/eye for both eyes on combined near and distant eye chart testing after 4 treatments. The only other side effects were periorbital ecchymoses which always self-resolved.

Medical acupuncture administered in addition to conventional therapy provided significant visual acuity benefit to patients with both dry and wet AMD, and was well tolerated. The incidence of serious ocular or non-ocular adverse events was low.

© 2007 Alston C. Lundgren, MD, PC | 460 St 's Drive, Suite 1204 Santa Fe, NM 87505 | (505) 986-0910Modified: 5/6/2008