Vision deterioration

We are now accepting new patients from distant locations. We are able to provide treatment with accommodation on-site. Please contact us for more details.

At MCR Therapies we specialise in treating many eye conditions related to retina deterioration and macular degeneration due to age or genetics and also as associated to some other conditions (Usher Syndrome, Stargardt Disease, Kearns-Sayre Syndrome, McLeod Syndrome, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, Alport's Syndrome).

We also treat glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome. Furthermore, we do have some successful methods developed for addressing floater problems inside the eye which is often associated to Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Unfortunately we do not provide treatments for cataracts as this is a mechanical issue to the lens of the eye and should be addressed appropriately by ophthalmic surgeons.

What methods do we use?

We base our method on research in the area of transcorneal electric stimulation combined with iontotherapy with iodine ions and stimulation of fascia by needling it in certain areas on the feet and hands.

In 2007 it was revealed that transcorneal stimulation to the eye, using biphasic currents of a frequency of 20Hz may activate dormant retinal cells. Research of this phenomenon was conducted in Netherlands and Denmark. The first patented device using this method was delivered in Germany in the year 2015.

At the same time, during similar research in Denmark, scientists discovered that incorporating iontotherapy with iodine ions and dry needling of certain areas may boost transcorneal stimulation effects and work as auxiliary means.

The dry needling aspect may be explained as a form of acupuncture. This partial method is understood as increasing a blood flow around the eyes and thus providing activated retinal cells with necessary feed for them to maintain their function.

Some therapists acquired only the dry needling method and gave it many names and explained its mechanism in many ways. It is not possible to give an ultimate explanation of how acupuncture in this form, works. Its working cannot be denied as when used as isolated method it still provides results although not as good as combined with transcorneal stimulation and iontotherapy.

Usually it is necessary to give at least two treatments a day for a period of two weeks and after that - one treatment a week for six weeks and then finally another series of treatments for two weeks.

The frequency and intensity is being adjusted in accordance to the results gathered on weekly or daily basis.

Screening and monitoring

Before and during the treatment we must ask for your consent for the treatment and screen your condition/health. You will be asked to provide all the information available, about your problem. Some of this information will be stored by us for five years in accordance to the Good Clinical Practice, Information Commissioner Office and insurance needs. None of it will be shared with anyone without your expressed permission.

Before we propose you with further treatment we will proceed with tests such as:

• check your eye pressure using an applanation tonometer (we would need to stain your eye with a fluorescein strip) - during this procedure the surface of your eye has to be touched slightly with an applanation prism (single used). The result will give us the most precise eye pressure reading.
• We will take a picture of your retina through the fundus. You will be asked to rest your chin on the machine and just look at the lens. There will be a strong light for a second. The machine will make a picture of your retina.
• We will perform a peripheral vision test using a threshold method - the most accurate strategy. It will be like a game - we will give you a button which you will press every time you see a dot on a screen. This test will provide us with a sort of a map of your active retinal cells. This test is quite exhausting and may take up to 20 minutes. You will be given a chance to rest and relax.
• We will perform an optional electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) tests. Those readings will confirm your condition and give us some information about state of your optic nerve.
• None of the above test are invasive. Also none of those test will be used to diagnose you. We will just check to confirm your condition or monitor your progress should we proceed with the treatment.
• You will receive a copy or your results before, during and after the treatment along with your treatment record, on a CD.

The procedure

The procedure may not be considered as an alternative therapy. If you are after that kind of treatment - this procedure is not for you. This method involves use of electronic devices and a form of needling that is only loosely related to the theories on Chinese Medicine (or similar).

You will be asked to switch off all electronic devices that use GSM network, WIFI or Bluetooth transfers as they may interfere with a very sensitive electronic system we use for providing transcorneal stimulation

The light will be slightly dimmed.

We will start with putting some needles in your feet and hands. This is being done in a fraction of a second to avoid any uncomfortable feeling however, there may be some sharp scratch registered.

Then we will install a sterile silicone vessel on one of your eyes and fill it with warm solution of iodine ions. Also we will install a wet returning electrode on your back of your neck. This is iontotherapy which will last for 20 minutes. Your other eye will be treated on a second treatment on the following day.

Then we will put a special frame on your face that looks like glasses. This will hold a special wire electrodes. Those electrodes are sterile and will be installed in holders, but the loop they form, will rest right underneath your bottom eye-lid. This will feel like having an eye-lash caught behind the lid. The room will be dark, we will be with you at all times. This procedure will last for 30 minutes.

None of those procedures are invasive to the eyes. All equipment we use to stimulate your eyes is battery operated (not connected to the mains).

The current used to treat your cornea is a simulated, physiologically compatible with the one naturally occurring in your eyes.

Terms and conditions

Please remember that this procedure is still under scrutiny of many researchers and therefore is still being developed. Nevertheless we comply with the most recent findings and precautionary aspects. It is at utmost importance we provide you with safe treatment.

If at any point you will feel uncomfortable or decide to resign - you will only pay for the treatments you've received pro rata.

We also reserve the right to stop the treatment if no progress is showing. It is our policy and responsibility to protect you and your well-being, so no advantage of you will be taken.

After the course is finished - you will be screened again for eye pressure, funduscamera picture, peripheral vision and optional ERG/VEP.

The cost of the therapy without accommodation is £1300 for three weeks course. Please bear in mind nearly 85% of this sum goes on materials and equipment maintenance.

The cost of the therapy with accommodation is £1800 for three weeks course. There are terms and conditions to this offer that must be discussed with the patient prior to their arrival.