Iridology is a natural assessment method based on the proposition that the pattern, color and specific markers in the iris reflect the condition of organs and systems in the body. It is based on the iridology maps of Bernard Jensen — the American naturopath who systematized the system in the 20th century. You photograph the iris of your left or right eye (JPG/PNG, max 10MB) and the reading examines markers by zones of the Jensen map: organ sectors, nerve ring, lymphatic zone, melanin pigmentation and structural features (lacunae, crypts, pigment spots). The analysis is informative and complementary — it does not replace medical diagnosis. The result is delivered by email.

Where it comes from

Iridology dates from the nineteenth century, usually credited to the Hungarian physician Ignaz von Peczely, and was developed into its best-known form by the American naturopath Bernard Jensen, whose iris chart divides each iris into sectors held to correspond to parts of the body. It is a naturopathic practice, not a part of medicine: controlled studies have not found that iris markings identify disease, and it should be approached as a traditional method with that clearly in view.

How the method works

A photograph of the iris is examined against the Jensen map, which lays the body out radially — the pupil edge for the digestive tract, the outer ring for the skin and lymph, and sectors between them for the organs, with the left iris read for the left side of the body and the right for the right. What the method looks for is structure and marking: the density and regularity of the fibres, taken as constitutional strength; lacunae, the small open gaps in the fibre pattern; crypts; the nerve ring, a contraction furrow in the fibres; the lymphatic rosary around the edge; and pigment spots. These are described in terms of tendency and constitution, not diagnosis, and the quality of the photograph limits what can be seen at all.

What a reading covers

A reading gives an account of what is visible in your photograph by the zones of the Jensen map — fibre structure, nerve ring, lymphatic zone, pigmentation and any structural features — described in the terms the tradition uses. It is informational and complementary. It is not a medical examination, it does not diagnose anything, and it is no substitute for seeing a doctor.

Common questions

Can it detect illness?: No. Controlled studies have not shown that iris markings identify disease, and nothing here should be taken as a finding about your health. Anything of that kind belongs with a doctor.
What makes a usable photograph?: Sharp focus on the iris, even light with no flash reflection across the pattern, the eye open and the iris filling a good part of the frame. Blur and glare are what make a reading impossible.
Which eye should I photograph?: Either. The tradition reads the left iris for the left side of the body and the right for the right, so one eye gives one side.