Teh-Ching Chu, Potter DE. Evidence that Microcurrent has a Neuro-protective effect in the treatment of glaucoma. J Oc Pharm and Ther, Vol. 8, No4, 2002; 293-305.
An article was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine based on research done at the Department of Optometry and Radiology at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Glaucoma was induced in the right eye of 14 adult rats using laser photocoagulation. ( This causes scaring and build up of glaucoma pressure in the eye) The left eye was used as a control. The animals were divided into 3 groups. One group no treatment, the second group electroacupuncture using 2 Hz and the third group 100 Hz. The eyes received 3 treatment sessions each week for 4 weeks. The visual function was studied using Electroretinalgram measurements. (ERG)
There was no neuroprotection in the untreated group and the group using 100 Hz. In the group using the 2 Hz wave form there was a retinal protective effect when measuring changes in the retinal wave forms.
The authors conclude that electro acupuncture of 2 HZ provides neuro-protection by preserving retinal function in rats. Low frequency EA may be an alternative therapy in the treatment of glaucoma.