Macular Degeneration

Introduction

When you hear the words macular degeneration, what comes to mind? Maybe it's that dreaded phrase "vision loss." Or maybe it's just something you've heard mentioned in passing at the eye doctor's office. Either way, if you or someone you love is living with macular degeneration, you probably want more than the usual textbook explanation.

You want answers. Real ones.

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb—a pioneer in integrative ophthalmology and a licensed acupuncturist with decades of experience—offers a viewpoint that's refreshingly straightforward and rooted in clinical results. And if there's one thing that stands out in his approach, it's this: there's hope.

First, Let's Get Clear: What Is Macular Degeneration, Really?

At its core, macular degeneration (often shortened to AMD, or age-related macular degeneration) is damage to the macula. That's the small, sensitive area in the center of your retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision.

There are two main types:

• Dry AMD – the more common, slower progressing type that involves thinning of the macula.
• Wet AMD – less common but more aggressive; it involves abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage under the retina.

Dr. Rosenfarb's clinical focus? Both. But especially dry AMD, because conventional medicine often shrugs and says, "Wait and see." He doesn't accept that.

We Don't Just Treat the Eyes, We Treat the Person.

One of the first things Dr. Rosenfarb will tell you is this: macular degeneration isn't just an eye disease. It's a systemic condition that shows up in the eyes.

That perspective alone flips the whole treatment conversation on its head.

Instead of laser-focusing only on the retina, he and his team look at:

• Blood sugar control
• Circulatory health
• Inflammation levels
• Mitochondrial function
• Cellular detoxification

Why? Because all these factors play a role in how well your eyes function—or fail.

He compares the eye to a "canary in the coal mine." When something's going wrong elsewhere in your body—poor circulation, low oxygen, sluggish cell metabolism—it often shows up in the retina first. That's especially true in people over 50, when the body's ability to heal and self-regulate begins to slow down.

So, What Actually Causes Macular Degeneration?

Dr. Rosenfarb breaks it down into four big hitters:

1. Poor Circulation – Think of your retina like a high-performance engine. If it doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients, performance drops.
2. Toxic Accumulation – Cellular waste that doesn't clear efficiently builds up over time, clogging the works.
3. Inflammation – Chronic, low-grade inflammation damages delicate retinal cells.
4. Low Energy Production (ATP) – Without enough cellular energy, the retina can't function properly or repair itself.

These aren't just theories; they're what he sees play out in hundreds of patient cases.

We're Not Trying to Reverse 30 Years of Damage Overnight.

Let's be honest. Most patients who walk into Dr. Rosenfarb's clinic aren't newly diagnosed. They've been to the top retina specialists. They've tried the supplements. They've heard "there's nothing else we can do."

That's where his integrative approach shines—not as a cure-all, but as a course correction.

Using targeted acupuncture protocols (yes, on the face and around the eyes, but also throughout the body), he works to:

• Increase microcirculation in the eyes
• Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
• Improve cellular energy output (think mitochondria)
• Support the detox pathways

Patients often report vision stabilization and, in many cases, improvement. But it's not magic. It's consistent work, guided by a deeper understanding of how the body heals.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

If you're expecting overnight miracles, this probably isn't for you. Dr. Rosenfarb is upfront about timelines: it takes time to rebuild function in damaged retinal tissue.

Most patients start with an intensive two-week program. The goal? Create momentum. Get the blood moving. Jumpstart energy production. From there, it's about continued support—through acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and sometimes Chinese herbal medicine.

Diet, Lifestyle, and... Oxygen?

Dr. Rosenfarb doesn't stop at needles. He's a huge advocate for reducing sugar, eating real food, and getting oxygen to the tissues. In fact, he's been exploring the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy) as adjuncts for some patients.

Why oxygen? Because starving retinal cells of O₂ is like trying to grow tomatoes in the dark. Nothing thrives.

Hydration, sleep, reducing toxin exposure—they all matter. Even grounding (as in, putting your bare feet on the earth) gets a mention. Because when you're healing, everything counts.

The Emotional Side of Vision Loss

Let's not ignore it—losing your sight is scary. It can shake your confidence, your independence, and your sense of identity. Dr. Rosenfarb gets that.

In fact, he often talks about the emotional toll macular degeneration takes. Patients don't just want to see better—they want to feel like themselves again. And that's why a compassionate, human-centered approach matters just as much as the treatment protocol.

Why Most Ophthalmologists Aren't Talking About This

It's not because they don't care. It's because the conventional model is focused on monitoring, injections (for wet AMD), and maybe the AREDS2 supplement formula.

But the dry form of AMD? Too often, it gets left in limbo. Patients are told to "come back in six months." Dr. Rosenfarb challenges that passive model. He believes the earlier you start supporting your retina, the better chance you have at maintaining functional vision—sometimes even improving it.

Does This Mean You Should Abandon Your Eye Doctor?

Absolutely not.

Dr. Rosenfarb regularly collaborates with retinal specialists. He's not anti-conventional medicine. He's pro-results. His approach is about adding to your care—not replacing it.

He puts it this way: "We work in parallel with your eye doctor. We're looking at the pieces they're not."

The Bottom Line: There Is Hope

If you're reading this because you—or your parent, or your partner—is struggling with macular degeneration, don't settle for the narrative that nothing can be done.

There's a big difference between no cure and no help.

Dr. Rosenfarb's work proves that the retina can respond to the right kind of support. It takes time. It takes patience. But it's possible.

And frankly, if your eyes are worth anything (and of course they are), doesn't that deserve a second opinion?

Take the Next Step Toward Better Vision

Whether you're newly diagnosed or you've been dealing with AMD for years, there's a path forward. Dr. Andy Rosenfarb's clinic offers consultations and treatment programs tailored to your specific situation.

You don't have to walk this path alone. Reach out and explore what's possible.

Contact the Clinic Today →