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Iridology

Statement

Iridology is the idea that markings on the irises of one's eyes, the ring of tissue responsible for eye color, correspond to the state of one's health. Stripes and spots at certain places on one's irises are supposed to show the state of health of specific parts of one's body. Entire charts have been developed showing where on the iris to look to see the condition of specific organs of one's body. Because this form of diagnosis is non-intrusive, i.e., no cutting or poking inside one self, it has attracted attention and practice.

Unfortunately, the system does not work. Changes in the conditions of one's organs are not always reflected by changed in specific places in one's irises, and changes in specific places in one's irises do not necessarily mean a change in the health of supposedly corresponding organs.

Controlled clinical studies, where iridologists diagnosis' of irises were compared to patients actual state of health, have shown that the iridologists have a no-better-than-chance rate of success at accurately diagnosing one's state of health. So far, iridologists have not met the burden of proof for their technique.

Sources

Iridology - Skeptic's Dictionary
McCutcheon, Lynn, "Iridology Works Well on the Planet Irisinius." Skeptical Briefs, Vol. 6, #2, June 1996, pp. 6-7.
Worall, Russell S., "Iridology: Diagnosis or Delusion." Skeptical Inquirer, Vol 7, #3, Spring 1983, pp. 23-35.