Iridology is explained as the study of the iris, or the part that gives colour to your eye. As eye colour is inherited, it can give you insight into your potential genetic strengths and weaknesses that you have inherited.
When you look at the iris closely, it is actually made of blood vessels with connective tissue coating that looks like fibres. The iris fibres, or blood vessels and connective tissues including nerves, are in direct contact with our biochemical, hormonal, structural and metabolic processes throughout our body. As such, iridology can give insight into a persons physical, emotional and spiritual health as it is the same blood vessel and connective tissue network present throughout our entire body.
Iridology is explained - what it can and can't reveal?
At a high level, there are some basics that can be seen in iris evaluation. It is important to note, that iridology cannot however be used for diagnosis, and cannot be used as a form of treatment. It is a tool that can be used in conjunction with a client assessment to assist with clinical decision making.
The overall colour of the iris shows the Constitutional Genotype, which straight away alerts us to potential inherited characteristics.
A blue iris has a lymphatic genotype - this may alert us to potential issues with our lymphatic system. There may be a tendency for lymphatic congestion, allergies, mucous build-up, and kidney concerns. Diet wise we would be best recommending the minimisation of mucous producing foods like dairy and 'gluey' gluten foods. In its place we would be recommending alkaline foods like cucumbers, green leafy vegetables to alkalise the body and help flush toxins. We would make sure lymphatic, kidney and skin detoxification was focused on, with movement and filtered water daily. The iris shown also has a pancreatic constitutional subtype diathesis shown with the orange/ brown pigment highlighting the need to focus on glucose regulation. This diathesis may be an inherited characteristic or may be unique to this persons lifestyle, so would need monitoring.
A brown iris has a haematogenic genotype - this may alert us to potential issues with our blood and circulatory system, cardiovascular system, and glandular systems in our body. There can be nutritional deficiencies (like iron causing anaemia), and imbalances in other minerals, like copper, that need uncovering. I feel this iris shows a resilient Neurogenic Disposition, so the client may not have had many health issues to date, but if or when they occur, the client could be quite surprised as they've not had any warning signs up to that point. There also appears to be an opaque lipaemic ring surrounding the iris, suggesting that lipid pathology needs reviewing. Liver and Bowel Detoxification could be recommended.
A mixed colour iris has a Mixed Biliary genotype - this mixed blue/ brown iris may alert us to potential issues with our liver, gall bladder, GIT and pancreas. There may be increased cholesterol, so a focus on improving fibre intake with lots of vegetables, increasing fish, nuts and seeds for essential fatty acids (EFA's) and reducing fried saturated fats and sugar could be advised. This iris also has a pancreatic constitutional subtype diathesis shown with the orange/ brown pigment highlighting the need to focus on glucose regulation. This client also has 2 dark brown pigment 'spots' in the iris. This is the left iris and the location correlates to certain organ structures on the body. We can see from the Iridology Chart below, that in the left iris, these spots belong to the adrenal glands and spleen. The adrenal glands are where our cortisol is produced and you can see this client also has an Anxiety Tetanic Disposition with rings in the iris, and furrow lines projecting out from the pupil. This highlights a predisposition to stress in the client, which may be supported by the pigment overlay. A focus on reducing stress could form part of the consultation if applicable.
Looking into irises is somewhat subjective and is just one assessment tool available for naturopaths. It can provide a spotlight on areas of the body to discuss in greater detail with a client. Discussion with the client, and signs and symptoms discussed, is key to a greater understanding. The review of irises would be used as an adjunct for discussion.
If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances, or have your iris photos and pathology results reviewed in line with your current situation, feel free to make a booking with me on the bookings tab on my website. As my appointments are all online, I cannot review your irises in person. However you can discuss with me how best to take clear, detailed photos of your irises from your phone to submit to me. I can then review the photos you send and we can discuss in your appointment.
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References:
Conlon L (2017), “Iridology A Beginner’s Guide, Revised and Expanded” 4th Ed, Digi-Image, Sydney, Australia
Pesek D (2008), “Iridology – An Overview”, Int. Inst. Of Iridology
Pesek D, (2012) “What’s the Alternative?” Portland Holmic, Vera TV Network, viewed 19th Feb 2022,
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