Several uncontrolled studies have reported effective treatment of optic atrophy with acupuncture. One study observed that best results were obtained in young patients with trauma-induced atrophy of recent onset (Wei 1992). Another study which measured visual acuity before and after treatment found 4 out of 12 patients showed moderate improvement (Reddy & Fouzdar 1983). Another claimed excellent results after two series of 20 treatments. (Wu & Ye 1989). An experimental study of the effects of acupuncture on visual evoked potentials in 12 subjects who had suffered embolism of the visual cortex or the deep visual pathways that had caused homonymous hemianopia. There was a significant increase in the strength of the potentials on the same side as the embolus. (Poletti 1989).

Wei Q 1992. Treatment of optic atrophy with acupuncture. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 12(2): 142-146

Reddy N S, Fouzdar N M 1983 Role of acupuncture in the treatment of 'incurable' retinal diseases. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 31 (suppl 31):1043-1046.

Wu Z, Ye X 1989 Optic atrophy treated with acupuncture. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 9(4):249-250

Poletti J, Poletti A, Franzini S, Durand F 1989 Etude des potentiels evoques visuels par renversement de pattern en hemichamp sous acupuncture au cours d'hemianopsies laterales homonymes. Bulletin de la Societe Ophthalmologique de France 11(89):1339-1342.

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