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Iridology: A systematic review.
1Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK. E.Ernst@exeter.ac.uk
Forschende Komplementarmedizin
|April 24, 1999
Summary
Iridology, a diagnostic method using iris pigmentation, lacks scientific validity. Evidence suggests it is not a reliable tool for diagnosing medical conditions, and its use should be discouraged.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Iridology claims diagnostic capabilities based on iris pigmentation.
- The practice is globally popular, necessitating scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on the diagnostic validity of iridology.
- Evaluate iridology as a medical diagnostic tool.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three independent literature searches for blinded tests.
- Performed data extraction using a standardized approach.
Main Results:
- Identified four case-control studies.
- The majority of studies indicate iridology is not a valid diagnostic method.
Conclusions:
- Scientific evaluations do not support iridology's diagnostic validity.
- Discourage the use of iridology by patients and practitioners.