An investigation into the sensitivity and specificity of iridology for detecting abnormalities in the female reproductive system: A cross-sectional observational study

IF 1.7 Q2 Medicine

Advances in integrative medicine Pub Date : 2025-09-13 DOI:10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100572

A. Aishwarya , A. Mooventhan , R. Arunthathi , L. Nivethitha , N. Manavalan

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Iridology is an assessment technique that involves examining the iris to identify potential pathological disorders. Despite being practiced for centuries, the effectiveness of iris diagnosis as a diagnostic tool remains controversial, primarily due to limited empirical evidence supporting its claims. Thus, there is a critical need for scientific studies to provide evidence regarding the efficacy of iridology assessment. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of iridology assessment in detecting abnormalities in the female reproductive system.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional observational study included 100 female participants. All participants underwent an iris examination, a clinical assessment, and ultrasonography. The results from these investigations were compared, and sensitivity and specificity rates were calculated using standard formulas.

Results

The study found that iridology assessment demonstrated a sensitivity of 92 % and a specificity of 56 % in detecting abnormalities within the female reproductive system.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that iridology assessment may serve as a potentially useful complementary tool for detecting abnormalities in the female reproductive system. However, further research is essential to confirm the effectiveness of this method and to explore its potential benefits and limitations in gynecological diagnosis. Continued scientific investigation is crucial to establish the role of iridology assessment in enhancing gynecological healthcare.

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虹膜学检测女性生殖系统异常的敏感性和特异性研究：一项横断面观察研究

背景：虹膜学是一种评估技术，包括检查虹膜以识别潜在的病理疾病。尽管已经实践了几个世纪，虹膜诊断作为诊断工具的有效性仍然存在争议，主要是由于有限的经验证据支持其主张。因此，迫切需要进行科学研究，为虹膜学评估的有效性提供证据。本研究旨在确定虹膜学评估在检测女性生殖系统异常中的敏感性和特异性。材料与方法本研究包括100名女性参与者。所有的参与者都接受了虹膜检查、临床评估和超声检查。比较这些调查的结果，并使用标准公式计算敏感性和特异性。结果虹膜学检测女性生殖系统异常的灵敏度为92 %，特异性为56 %。结论虹膜学评估可作为女性生殖系统异常检测的辅助工具。然而，需要进一步的研究来证实这种方法的有效性，并探讨其在妇科诊断中的潜在益处和局限性。持续的科学调查对于确立虹膜学评估在加强妇科保健中的作用至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Advances in integrative medicine INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

11.80%

发文量

审稿时长

15 weeks

期刊介绍： Advances in Integrative Medicine (AIMED) is an international peer-reviewed, evidence-based research and review journal that is multi-disciplinary within the fields of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. The journal focuses on rigorous quantitative and qualitative research including systematic reviews, clinical trials and surveys, whilst also welcoming medical hypotheses and clinically-relevant articles and case studies disclosing practical learning tools for the consulting practitioner. By promoting research and practice excellence in the field, and cross collaboration between relevant practitioner groups and associations, the journal aims to advance the practice of IM, identify areas for future research, and improve patient health outcomes. International networking is encouraged through clinical innovation, the establishment of best practice and by providing opportunities for cooperation between organisations and communities.