The validity and reliability of iridology in the diagnosis of previous acute appendicitis as evi-denced by appendectomy

Abstract

Iridology is defined as a photographic science that identifies pathological and functional changes within organs via biomicroscopic iris assessment for aberrant lines, spots, and discolourations. According to iridology, the iris does not reflect changes during anaesthesia, due to the drugs inhibitory effects on nerves impulses, and in cases of organ removal, it reflects the pre-surgical condition.The profession of Homoeopathy is frequently associated with iridology and in a recent survey (2009) investigating the perceptions of Masters of Technology graduates in Homoeopathy of University of Johannesburg, iridology was highly regarded as a potential additional skill requirement for assessing the health status of the patient.This study investigated the reliability of iridology in the diagnosis of previous acute appendicitis, as evidenced by appendectomy. A total of 60 participants took part in the study. Thirty of the 60 participants had an appendectomy due to acute appendicitis, and 30 had had no prior history of appendicitis. Each participant’s right iris was documented by photography with the use of a non-mydriatic retinal camera that was reset for photographing the iris. The photographs were then randomized by an external person and no identifying data made available to the three raters. The raters included the researcher, who had little experience in iridology and two highly experienced practising iridologists. Data was obtained from the analyses of the photographs wherein the presence or absence of lesions (implying acute appendicitis) was indicated by the raters. None of the three raters was able to show a significant success rate in identifying correctly the people with a previous history of acute appendicitis and resultant appendectomies from those who had no previous history of acute appendicitis. Therefore the outcome of this study indicated an outcome that was subject to chance.The null hypothesis that states that appendectomy due to acute appendicitis does not manifest in corresponding lesions in the iris, is supported. It is in the opinion of the researchers that the association of iridology with homoeopathic practice may harm the credibility of the profession and that further research on iridology is needed to disprove this conviction. (S Afr Optom 2013 72(3) 127-132)

Keywords

• Iris, iridology, iris diagnosis, homoeopathy, appendicitis, appendectomy