A 32-year-old member asked:
Can a holistic practitioner really reads the whites of you're eyes for a basis of overall health?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Not quite: I'm not sure, but i wonder if you might be thinking of iridology? This focuses on the colored part of the eye, the iris, rather than the white part of your eye (sclera). Iridologists say that because there are so many nerve endings in the iris, it can reveal tendencies to illness. A 1979 jama article could draw no conclusions about this. For additional info, see: http://www.Iridologyassn.Org.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
2 comments

Dr. Tim Conrad commented
Ophthalmology 36 years experience
There have been at least two controlled studies that show that iridology is nothing but quackery.
Jul 8, 2013

Dr. Pamela Pappas commented
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Provided original answer
Sure enough, Dr. Conrad. I mentioned it informationally, not because I am a subscriber.
Jul 8, 2013
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.