Is Iridology a hoax

Iridology, also called iris analysis or iris diagnosis, is the study of the iris (the colored part of the eye). Iris "readings" are made by iridologists to assess a person's health picture (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual) and guide them to take measures to improve their health. Iridology is generally based on the concept of neural pathways between the body and the iris. Although iridologists may differ on the exact mechanism, most maintain that the iris reflects what is happening throughout the body via nerve conduction from all parts of the body to the eye. The client's health is assessed by the iridologist, who interprets patterns, shapes, rings, colors and pigmentation markings, fibers, structures, and changes in the pupil and iris. Many iridologists also use sclerology (reading the lines in the white part of the eyes) in their health evaluation. Iridology readings are typically performed by such holistically oriented practitioners as naturopaths, chiropractors, or nutritionists. The reading may be done using a bright light, a magnifying glass, and a notepad. The iridologist may also use various tools to better view the eye, a special camera to take pictures of the iris, and/or a computer. Practitioners of iridology point to the following benefits of iridology: 1. Their examination is non-invasive. The only thing patients have to tolerate is light being shone in the eyes. 2. Iridologists aim to keep the patient well. They try to discover imbalances or weaknesses in the body before they develop into serious medical problems. Some diseases, such as cancer, have been identified long before the disease was identifiable to "modern" practioners of mainstream medicine. The majority of medical doctors reject all the claims of all branches of iridology en bloc and label them as pseudoscience or even quackery. Iridologists are rarely physicians. Iridology can only be studied as private institutions,and it is not taught in mainstream medical schools. Critics, mostly practitioners of mainstream medicine, dismiss iridology largely because published studies have indicated a lack of success for its claims. Similar to criticism which has been leveled at other alternative practices, skeptics claim the practice of iridology: 1. Often leads to incorrect diagnoses which may frighten patients and delay the diagnosis and treatment of true medical problems (e.g. a patient suffering from cancer). 2. Is an ineffective practice that wastes patients' time and money. Source: http://www.answers.com/iridology?initiator=IE7:SearchBox For me Irodology is a hoax and nothing more than that.