March 28, 2025 - Eye Exercise Protocols
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a challenging inherited condition, but there are holistic strategies that can help slow its progression, protect remaining vision, and improve quality of life—especially when used early and consistently.
While RP is considered genetically driven, lifestyle, nutrition, and neuro-supportive therapies can profoundly influence how fast (or slow) degeneration occurs.
What Happens in RP?
– Rod cells in the retina degenerate first →, leading to night blindness and tunnel vision
– Cone cells may later be affected → leading to central vision loss
– Often worsens over time but can stabilize, especially with holistic support
Dr. Berne’s Base-Down Yoked Prisms with Yellow Tint: Enhancing Peripheral & Spatial Vision
Dr. Berne’s specialized glasses combine **base-down yoked prisms** with a subtle yellow tint to stimulate spatial awareness and support neuro-visual integration.
Base-Down Yoked Prisms
These prisms shift the entire visual field up and out, which encourages:
Grounding through the lower body and feet
– Increased spatial orientation and peripheral vision
– Enhanced head/neck postural awareness
– Gentle stimulation of peripheral vision, especially in the upper visual field (often underused)
This upward shift naturally encourages the eyes and brain to become more spatially aware, helping break up tunnel vision patterns or visual constriction often seen in people with Retinitis Pigmentosa, myopia, or postural imbalances.
Yellow Tint
The soft yellow filter helps:
– Improve contrast sensitivity
– Reduce visual glare and photophobia
– Enhance perception in low-light conditions
It calms the visual system while amplifying subtle details in the environment — a key for those with visual field loss or central vision strain.
-Walking Backwards (Slowly on an obstacle course (While Wearing the Glasses)
This integrative practice combines the glasses with mindful movement to:
– Stimulate 360-degree peripheral vision
– Activate visual-motor pathways tied to safety, coordination, and balance
– Retrain the reticular activating system (RAS)*to stay alert to space behind the body
– Increase neuroplasticity in the visual-spatial cortex
Backward walking in bare feet—especially on grass or soft ground—creates a mild “challenge” to the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, heightening body and eye awareness.
In Summary:
These glasses aren’t just a visual aid but a brain-body re-education tool. By shifting the field downward and adding a yellow tint, the brain is gently guided to open peripheral awareness, stabilize posture, and enhance contrast — especially during mindful movement practices like walking backward.
Red/Near-Infrared Light Therapy (660–850 nm)
Red and near-infrared light penetrate into the eye and activate the mitochondria (energy powerhouses of cells), especially in the photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells.
Benefits for RP:
– Increases ATP production in damaged retinal cells
– Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
– Promotes **photoreceptor survival (particularly cones)
– May improve contrast sensitivity and visual acuity
Methylene Blue (MB)
Methylene Blue is a nootropic dye* and mitochondrial enhancer with:
– Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
– Ability to bypass damaged parts of the electron transport chain
– Supports cytochrome c oxidase, the same mitochondrial enzyme activated by red light
Why it matters for RP:
In RP, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play a central role in photoreceptor degeneration. MB acts as a metabolic rescue agent, helping stressed cells produce energy even when mitochondrial pathways are impaired.
Other Holistic Vision Strategies for RP
1. Targeted Nutritional Support
Key Nutrients (Evidence-based):
| Nutrient | Function | Dose |
| Vitamin A (palmitate) | Slows RP progression (in some studies) | Up to 15,000 IU/day (monitor liver) |
| Taurine | Protects photoreceptors and retina | 500–2,000 mg/day |
| Omega-3 (DHA) | Supports retina and reduces inflammation | 1,000–2,000 mg/day |
| Lutein + Zeaxanthin | Protects macula & cones | Lutein 10–20 mg / Zeaxanthin 2–4 mg/day |
| Zinc + Copper*| Slows degeneration, antioxidant cofactor | 25–40 mg zinc + 2 mg copper/day |
| Alpha-lipoic acid | Antioxidant, regenerates glutathione | 300–600 mg/day |
| Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) | Slows oxidative damage | 200–400 IU/day |
Optional blood test: Check for low glutathione, taurine, vitamin A, and zinc levels.
2. Retina and Nervous System Therapies
Vagus Nerve Activation
– Through **humming, deep breathing, cold exposure, craniosacral therapy
– Reduces chronic stress load and improves neuroplasticity
Neuroplastic vision exercises (Functional Vision Therapy)
– Peripheral awareness training
– Eye tracking & saccadic movement
– Visual-motor balance activities
(adjusted to their field of vision)
3. Detox & Energy Flow Support
– Liver + lymph support — important for eye detox
– Dandelion, milk thistle, castor oil packs
– Gentle lymphatic movement — rebounding, dry brushing, somatic movement
– Infrared sauna or sweating — to remove environmental toxins affecting eye tissues
4. Circadian and Hormonal Regulation
– nights → Supports melatonin, a powerful retinal antioxidant
– Sleep in total darkness
– No blue light after 8 pm
– Morning sun exposure → entrains circadian rhythm
– 5–10 minutes of outdoor light before 10 am.
5. Emotional & Spiritual Work
RP can also be a call to explore the inner vision and “seeing differently.”
– Journaling prompts:
“What am I no” longer meant to see in the outer world?”
“What” inner light am I here to nurture?”
– Practices like meditation, breathwork, and visualization can shift how the brain perceives light and space — even as rods decline.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils can benefit people with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) when used mindfully. While they won’t reverse RP, they can enhance circulation, reduce oxidative stress, support retinal nerve function, and balance the nervous system—all crucial in slowing its progression and improving quality of life.
Top Essential Oils to Support RP
1. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii or sacra)
– Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, grounding
– Supports optic nerve** and **third eye (Ajna chakra)
– Enhances inner vision and brain-visual integration
How to apply:
– Dilute 1–2 drops in a carrier oil (jojoba or fractionated coconut)
– Gently apply around brow bone, temples, and base of the skull (never in the eye)
– Inhale deeply from palms or diffuse during vision exercises or meditation
2. Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
– Supports retinal tissue regeneration and circulation
– Powerful antioxidant; used traditionally for **nerve and eye support
How to apply:
– 1 drop diluted in carrier oil
– Apply gently behind ears, temples, and base of the neck
– Use before red light therapy for enhanced synergy
3. Blue Tansy or German Chamomile
– High in azulene, deeply anti-inflammatory and calming
– Helps reduce **ocular tension** and emotional stress from vision loss
Application
– Dilute and apply to **around the eye orbit** (not on eyelid), or use for **reflexology foot points** (eyes = second and third toes)
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
– Calming to the nervous system
– Supports vagal tone, sleep, and emotional regulation
– Helps balance visual overstimulation
Use:
– Diffuse before sleep
– Apply to chest, feet, or back of neck*
– Combine with humming or eye-palming
5. Sandalwood
– Nourishes the pineal and third eye centers
– Deepens meditation, reduces mental fatigue
– Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for brain-eye connection
Use:
– Apply to **forehead**, diffuse during vision practices
– Excellent to pair with **visualizations and chakra alignment**
Important Application Guidelines
-Never put essential oils in the eye — always apply around the eye or on related reflex points
– Always dilute essential oils (e.g., one drop EO to 1 tsp carrier oil)
– Perform a patch test before full use
– Use therapeutic-grade oils from reputable sources (organic if possible)
Application Ritual Example: RP Vision Support (2x/day)
1. Morning:
– Apply Frankincense + Helichrysum blend to temples and occipital ridge
– Inhale deeply while doing eye stretches or gentle sunning
2. Evening:
– Apply **Lavender + Sandalwood** blend to chest, forehead, or feet
– Do eye palming, humming, or a short meditation
– Optional: Diffuse Blue Tansy during sleep
What to Avoid?
– Smoking and alcohol (both accelerate degeneration)
– High sugar and processed foods
– Unprotected exposure to strong blue light/UV
– Over-supplementing synthetic vitamin A without supervision
New Frontiers
– Dr. Berne’s Iridology Analysis
Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive definition you can use to describe iridology as a tool for nurturing systemic and metabolic health, as well as addressing toxicity and genetic predispositions:
Iridology: A Window into Systemic and Metabolic Health
Iridology is a noninvasive assessment technique that analyzes patterns, colors, and fiber structures in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to gain insight into a person’s constitutional strengths, weaknesses, toxic load, and genetic tendencies.
Rather than diagnosing disease, iridology is used preventively to guide lifestyle, nutritional, and detoxification strategies that support optimal health.
How Iridology Supports Holistic Health:
1. Reveals Genetic Tendencies
The iris reflects inherited patterns that may influence:
– Organ or gland weakness
– Digestive tendencies
– Lymphatic sluggishness
– Nervous system reactivity
> This awareness helps clients proactively support vulnerable systems before symptoms appear.
2. Detects Toxic Accumulation & Elimination Pathway Blockages
Specific iris markings and colorations (such as dark spots, cloudy zones, or discoloration) may indicate:
– Toxic build-up in tissues
– Sluggish lymphatic drainage
– Overloaded liver or kidneys
– Colon congestion
This helps tailor detoxification protocols using herbs, hydration, sauna, lymphatic drainage, and more.
3. Monitors Metabolic Function & Inflammation
Changes in fiber structure or signs around specific zones may suggest:
– Metabolic imbalance (e.g., blood sugar regulation)
– Inflammatory tendencies (especially in the gut, joints, or vascular tissues)
– Acid-alkaline imbalances
This guides nutrition and supplementation plans that regulate systemic function and reduce inflammation.
4. Empowers Personalized Healing
Iridology helps create a constitutional roadmap unique to each person. It allows Dr. Berne to:
– Prioritize which systems need the most support
– Understand how trauma or stress patterns may affect the body
– Track changes over time as healing progresses
5. Neutralizes Genetic Patterns with Epigenetic Strategies
While genetics sets the blueprint, lifestyle, and environment (epigenetics) influence expression. Iridology helps:
– Identify genetic potential, not destiny
– Apply targeted lifestyle, nutritional, and energetic tools to turn off negative expression
– Teach clients how to work with their body, not against it
In Summary:
“Iridology is a powerful lens into your body’s internal story — revealing how you’re processing life, where you’re holding stress or toxins, and how to support best your body’s unique path toward balance, vitality, and longevity.”
Dr. Berne’s Use of the GDV Camera: A Biofield Approach to Retinitis Pigmentosa
Dr. Berne integrates the GDV (Gas Discharge Visualization) camera—developed by Dr. Konstantin Korotkov—as a noninvasive, energetic assessment tool to explore the underlying electrical, emotional, and energetic imbalances in individuals living with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
The GDV system captures the biophotonic emissions (light and electron discharges) from the fingertips, which correspond to the energy of different organs, systems, chakras, and acupuncture meridians—all intimately connected with vision.
How the GDV Assessment Works for RP
1. Mapping the Energy Field
The GDV provides a visual image of the person’s biofield** or aura, revealing:
– Disruptions in field symmetry
– Areas of **leakage**, stagnation, or energetic weakness
– Left-right hemisphere or upper-lower field imbalances, often seen in visual field constriction
In RP, this can show weakened energetic flow around the head, eyes, and occipital brain regions, often corresponding with degeneration of retinal cells and limited peripheral vision.
2. Chakra Alignment Analysis
The GDV software measures the alignment, size, and coherence of the seven primary chakras. For RP, the following patterns often appear:
– Ajna (Third Eye) – frequently misaligned or undercharged, reflecting visual system strain or spiritual disconnection from inner sight
– Solar Plexus (Manipura) – may show energetic depletion from chronic emotional stress and metabolic dysfunction
-Root and Sacral Chakras – often show instability, relating to survival stress and foundational imbalances affecting detox and eye health
By evaluating chakra imbalance, Dr. Berne can offer targeted vibrational and somatic therapies, such as color therapy, essential oils, sound healing, or vagal activation exercises.
3. Acupuncture Meridian Assessment
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) maps link each fingertip to specific acupuncture meridians and organs.
In RP, imbalances are often seen in:
– Liver meridian – connected to the eyes in TCM; when congested, it reflects emotional stagnation and detox challenges
– Kidney meridian – governs constitutional energy and longevity, often depleted in degenerative eye conditions
– Spleen and stomach meridians– related to digestion, absorption, and the earth element, which grounds visual processing
This information helps tailor herbal, nutritional, and movement protocols to regulate systemic flow and clear toxic load affecting the visual system.
How GDV Informs RP Treatment
Dr. Berne uses GDV findings to customize treatments, such as:
– Red/infrared light therapy applied to deficient chakras or weak biofield regions
– Essential oil protocols based on chakra balancing (e.g., frankincense for a crown, sandalwood for a third eye)
– Iris and facial reading + GDV → cross-referencing energetic + physical findings
– Color therapy and breathing → to realign chakra centers and stimulate optic nerve vitality
– Craniosacral therapy or eye-body movement → when field imbalances show stress held in the spine, brainstem, or cranial nerves
Tracking Progress:
GDV allows for before-and-after comparisons to track visually:
– Strengthening of the energy field
– Improved chakra alignment
– Enhanced organ/meridian flow
– Increased coherence in the nervous system and brain-eye connection
Dr. Berne uses the GDV camera to bridge the energy and physical body gap. For individuals with Retinitis Pigmentosa, this technology offers a robust diagnostic and healing framework to detect root causes, activate latent energy, and tailor vibrational therapies that nourish the eyes and the whole self.
Conclusion;
Dr. Sam Berne’s holistic approach to Retinitis Pigmentosa blends vision therapy, nutrition, red light, somatic movement, and energetic assessment tools like iridology and the GDV camera to support retinal health and slow degeneration. His integrative protocols help awaken inner vision, improve brain-eye communication, and empower individuals to preserve their sight actively.
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