Polarised light therapy
Recently, it came to our attention that some sufferers of eye floaters were using light therapy to try to treat their condition.
A German doctor, Dr Wilhelm Luftig published a book in 1947 called "The Natural Treatment of Eye Diseases in Simple, Advanced and So-called Incurable Cases" in which he claimed to have considerable success treating the condition using crystal reflectors. However it should be noted, that his book contained no case studies or peer-reviewed research and he was regarded as something of a maverick by the eye profession.
A more recent incarnation of light therapy is Bioptron polarised light therapy. We contacted Bioptron to ask them if they thought it had any application for eye floaters. They referred us to their UK distributor, Tuttoluxo Ltd. (Part of the Zepter Group), who sent us the following information:
Bioptron has not been tested on such conditions. We have not carried any research on the indication of eye floaters. We strongly recommend that a person suffering from this condition consult with his / her medical professional and seeks advice if he / she decide to use the Bioptron specifically for this condition.
Hani Rifai, Managing Director
They went on to add that:
The Bioptron Light Therapy Devices are safe to use on the eyes provided the eyes are closed. There has been no negative side effect or harm reported to us as a result of using the Bioptron light therapy devices.
Generally, the Bioptron can be applied to the eye region and we recommend that the patient should be in a relaxed position, always with closed eyes, following the recommended treatment time of app.10 min. once or twice daily.
As for the classification of Bioptron in the USA, you are correct, the Bioptron devices at present are classified as cosmetic Devices in the USA until further notice.
In the United Kingdom, Europe "EU and non EU territories" and Switzerland, the Bioptron devices are classified as medical, non invasive, class II devices and are approved as such under the EU Directive 93-42-EEC.
S.McKenzie
