Eye Floatersaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Vision Impairments and Disorders

Did you mean? Vitreous Opacity

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that drift across your field of vision. They may appear as spots, threads, or cobweb-like structures and can be particularly noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background, like a blue sky or a white wall.

These visual disturbances are caused by tiny pieces of the eye's vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the eyeball, which break loose and float within the inner eye fluid.

How Does TCM View Eye Floaters?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of 'pattern' (also known as 'syndrome') is fundamental to understanding and treating ailments. A pattern is a comprehensive snapshot of a condition at a particular time, including all of its signs and symptoms, as well as the patient's emotional and physical state.

Identifying patterns is crucial because TCM treatments are tailored to correct the specific imbalances that these patterns reveal. For eye floaters, TCM may recognize patterns such as Qi Deficiency or Blood Stasis, each requiring a different treatment strategy. Understanding the underlying pattern is what allows TCM practitioners to provide personalized care, targeting not just the symptoms, but the root cause of the condition.

Root Causes of Eye Floaters in TCM

TCM suggests that eye floaters can arise from Deficiencies in the body's vital substances, notably Qi and Blood. For example, a Gallbladder Qi Deficiency may manifest as floaters accompanied by dizziness and indecision, while Liver Qi Deficiency could lead to similar visual symptoms along with emotional timidity.

Addressing these root causes through tailored treatments is a fundamental aspect of TCM’s healing philosophy, offering a pathway to not just symptomatic relief but long-term wellness.

Explore below more details about what might cause Eye floaters according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Eye Floaters

Common Symptoms: Timidity Easily Startled Lack Of Courage Indecision Sighing Dizziness Blurry Vision Nervousness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Gallbladder Deficiency Floaters in eyes, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of courage, Indecision, Sighing, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Early awakening, Vivid dreaming... see more Wen Dan Tang
Liver Qi Deficiency Floaters in eyes, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of courage, Indecision, Sighing, Vivid dreaming, Depression, Irritability, Hypochondriac distention, Irregular periods, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Abdominal distention... see more Si Wu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Eye Floaters

In addressing eye floaters, TCM may utilize herbs and formulas like Wen Dan Tang for transforming Phlegm due to Gallbladder Deficiency or Si Wu Tang to tonify the Blood for Liver Qi Deficiency.

Another approach is to nourish the Blood and Yin with Gui Pi Tang or Suan Zao Ren Tang, thereby addressing the Heart and Liver Blood Deficiency. The selection of herbs is nuanced, aligning with the specific TCM pattern each patient presents.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address eye floaters, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Eye Floaters Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Liver Qi Deficiency
Wen Dan Tang Gallbladder Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Liver Qi Deficiency
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Deficiency

Acupoints for Eye Floaters

In TCM, acupressure points such as Ganshu BL-18 and Zanzhu BL-2 are indicated for eye floaters, believed to benefit the eyes by resolving Damp-Heat and nourishing Liver Blood.

Additionally, Zhaohai KID-6 supports Kidney Yin and can address underlying Deficiencies contributing to floaters. These points are selected based on their traditional associations with eye health and their ability to harmonize the flow of Qi and Blood to the visual organs.

Explore below some acupoints used to address eye floaters, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Zanzhu BL-2

Zanzhu BL-2

On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.

Ganshu BL-18

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

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