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• If a patient is found to have yellow overlying the kidney area of the iris map, it indicates that the kidneys are not working optimally.  The patient will then be advised to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to improve kidney function and general health.
• If a patient has cloudiness or congestion over the heart, they may be told to increase their cardiovascular exercise regime.
• The presence of nerve rings may point to a need to reduce stress in daily life. 

All in all, these are the exact same things that primary care physicians advise patients -- drink more water, eat healthy, get enough sleep and exercise. However, many Iridologists link interpretations of iris readings with the need for herbal supplements.   They believe deficiencies are visible and recommend the desired herbs to replace the deficiency. Herbs are an entirely different and broad subject.  For further information on herbs refer to http://altmed.creighton.edu.

● In general, prevention is the object of an Iridology reading. 

Iridologists want to warn the patient about tendencies and weaknesses so the patient can fend off illness and disease before it begins.  Others view it as an indicator, like a blood pressure cuff or a thermometer.  In fact, Iridologists claim that defects in the iris will show up long before changes in traditional lab values.

Western medicine often believes that the same information gathered from an Iridology reading can be gained through a proper history and physical.  Also, many people feel any changes shown on an iris in "before and after" pictures are merely changes in technique as the iris is not a structure of change itself. 

It is very important to note that Western Medicine does not ignore the eyes as indicators of disease.  Jaundice can indicate liver disease, dilated pupils can indicate brain malfunction, even rings around the iris can indicate Wilson's disease (an abnormality of copper metabolism).  Western medicine looks not only at the iris, but also inside of the eye, at the sclera (white part of the eye) and the conjunctiva (lining of the eye). 

● In summary, Iridology has no scientific basis, no studies that prove its inherent value, and is not cheap. 

However, treatment is not the main goal; rather, prevention is.  Thus, it is difficult to argue that telling people to live a more healthy lifestyle is wrong.  Only when herbs are "prescribed" is harm possible.  It is strongly suggested that anyone taking herbs, or thinking of taking herbs, consult an M.D., a pharmacist, or a credible book or website about possible side effects or drug interactions.  Not all herbs are safe for everyone, and none are controlled in concentrations or even doses.  At this point in time, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dosage or usage of herbs.  Remember, many of history's famous poisons are herbs (think hemlock and the death of Socrates). 

Thank you for taking time to read about Iridology.  For your convenience and education there are several other alternative therapies discussed at the Creighton University School of Medicine's web page. http://altmed.creighton.edu.