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Chelation Therapy for Improved Eyesight
by Corinna Underwood
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Overview
The basis of chelation therapy is that an amino acid complex called EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid), has direct contact with certain metals within the body--such as copper, zinc, magnesium, iron and lead--combines with them and helps the body eliminate them through the urine. Chelation therapy was first used during the 1940s as a treatment intended specifically for heavy metal poisoning. There have been a number of claims that chelation therapy can improve deteriorated eyesight.
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Functions
Chelation therapy should be performed only by a trained and qualified professional. The therapist will introduce EDTA to the patient's bloodstream by means of an intravenous solution intended to bind to any heavy metals present in the body. Within 48 hours, the heavy metals are then released in the urine. Often, supplemental minerals such as calcium, copper and zinc are also added to the infusion solution because EDTA can remove small amounts of these substances form the body and they need to be replenished.
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Chelation Therapy for Improved Eyesight
Although there have been a number of anecdotal reports that chelation therapy has resulted in the improvement of deteriorated vision, there have been no clinical studies conducted that support these claims. However, reduced vision may be the result of heavy metal toxicity, so that when EDTA is used for the purpose of treating heavy metal toxicity, it may improve vision slightly or prevent eyesight from worsening as a result of heavy metal poisoning.
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Possible Side Efffects
When chelation therapy is performed using the infusion rates and dose that is FDA-approved for heavy metal poisoning, there is a low occurrence of side effects. However, possible side effects may include a burning sensation at the delivery point, headache, fever, nausea, reduction of bone marrow blood cell count and vomiting. More serious side effects include kidney failure, irregular heart beat and respiratory arrest. If you experience any of these side effects after having received chelation therapy you should seek medical advice immediately.
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Finding a Qualified Therapist
It is not always simple to find a medial or naturopathic doctor who has received the proper training to use this type of therapy because neither the FDA nor the AMA promote this type of therapy. Because EDTA therapy requires direct administration to the veins it must be performed in a medical office. You may be able to find a qualified doctor in your area by contacting the International College of Integrated Medicine.
