Chelation Therapy in Eye Care

Chelation, a therapy mostly used to treat mercury poisoning, can also be helpful for people who are suffering from macular degeneration, a condition caused by aging that reduces visual acuity. Chelation is when an amino acid is injected into the body. Heavy metals bind to this amino acid, and, rather than remain in the body, they are excreted in urine.

Macular Degeneration

• A case published in the Journal of the Advancement of Medicine in 1994 demonstrated that chelation can be helpful for people with macular degeneration. Degeneration is caused by blockages in the choroid capillaries, which send blood to the macula. One woman using chelation experienced an improvement from 20/25 in one eye to 20/20. The effects remained consistent after one year.

  Chelation works via an intravenous infusion of the amino acid ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) into the bloodstream. The minerals and metals blocking the choroid capillaries will then bind to the EDTA and create a new compound, which is then flushed from the body in urine.

Warning

• Not everyone believes chelation is a beneficial therapy. The therapy has not been approved by the FDA for any use and it is considered an "alternative treatment." The therapy has also some dangerous side effects. Among the inherent risks of chelation therapy are shock, low blood pressure, kidney and respiratory failure, and heart arrhythmia.

Chelation

• Chelation therapy can last from five to 30 sessions. During these sessions an intravenous (IV) line is placed into the arm or hand. Once in place, EDTA is sent into the body. These sessions, which last about three-and-a-half hours, are painless. The most common side effects of chelation are swollen ankles and the urge to urinate more often. Since chelation therapy drains your body of necessary vitamins and minerals, your doctor will add vitamins to the injection. Chelation therapy is done on an outpatient basis, so hospitalization is not required during or between your sessions.