Blurry Visionaccording to TCM

*redirected from Blurred vision

What is Blurry Vision?

Blurry vision is the loss of sharpness in one’s sight, causing objects to appear out of focus and hazy. This common visual complaint can be a benign, transient condition or a sign of a more serious eye problem necessitating medical attention.

From refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the causes of blurry vision are diverse. Understanding its origin is crucial as it affects everything from daily activities to overall quality of life.

How does TCM view Blurry Vision?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets blurry vision through a lens of energy balance. Unlike the focus on anatomical defects in Western medicine, TCM considers vision clarity as a reflection of internal health.

The concept of 'Qi', the vital life force, along with the harmony of Yin and Yang energies in the body, is central. Recognizing the specific 'pattern' behind the symptom is key because it guides how TCM practitioners approach treatment, aiming to restore the body’s equilibrium and improve vision.

Root Causes of Blurry Vision in TCM

In TCM, blurry vision is often attributed to a Deficiency within the body’s Organs or Channels. One cause could be Blood Deficiency, where insufficient nourishment reaches the eyes, leading to visual disturbances. Another might be Liver or Kidney Yin Deficiency, often characterized by additional symptoms like dizziness and dry eyes.

Moreover, an imbalance of Qi, particularly Qi Deficiency, can lead to a generalized weakness that affects vision. It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and TCM emphasizes a personalized diagnosis to address the root cause of symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Blurry vision according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Blurry Vision

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Scanty Menstruation Amenorrhea Limb Numbness Palpitations Poor Memory Dry Hair

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency Blurred vision, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang
Blood Deficiency Blurred vision, Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Si Wu Tang | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Da Bu Yuan Jian | Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang
Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency Blurred vision, Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled, Dull pale complexion, Pale lips, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Tingling of limbs, Limb numbness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Withered and brittle nails... see more Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Liver Blood Deficiency Blurred vision, Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness, Dizziness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Amenorrhea, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Vivid dreaming... see more Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency Blurred vision, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more Si Wu Tang | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation Blurred vision, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor constitution, Irregular periods, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain... see more Si Wu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Blurry Vision

For those experiencing blurry vision, TCM offers several remedies. Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang is a common formula used to address Qi and Blood Deficiency, while Liu Wei Di Huang Wan caters to Kidney Yin Deficiency.

Another formula, Wen Dan Tang, is prescribed for Gallbladder Deficiency, which may manifest as blurry vision and timidity. These formulas comprise herbs like Ginseng and Dong quai, known for their nourishing properties. The chosen treatment varies per individual, aligning with the specific pattern observed by a TCM practitioner.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Blurry Vision Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency and Stagnation... see more
Gui Pi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
Bu Gan Tang Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more
Suan Zao Ren Tang Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Blood Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Liver Blood Deficiency
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang Blood Deficiency
Da Bu Yuan Jian Blood Deficiency
Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

Acupoints for Blurry Vision

TCM also employs acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention for blurry vision. Points along the Gall Bladder Channel, such as Guangming GB-37, are stimulated to benefit the eyes. Fengchi GB-20 is another significant point, believed to subdue Liver Yang and expel Internal Wind, which in TCM thought, could contribute to visual impairment.

The exact acupoints selected for treatment are based on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony, highlighting the tailored approach central to TCM practices.

Explore below some acupoints used to address blurry vision, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Tongziliao GB-1

Tongziliao GB-1

Lateral to the outer canthus, in the depression on the lateral side of the orbit.

Shangguan GB-3

Shangguan GB-3

In front of the ear, on the upper border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression directly above Xiaguan ST-7.

Hanyan GB-4

Hanyan GB-4

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Xuanlu GB-5

Xuanlu GB-5

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the line connecting Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Xuanli GB-6

Xuanli GB-6

Within the hairline inferior to the corner of the temporal region, midway of the lower half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubing GB-7.

Shuaigu GB-8

Shuaigu GB-8

Superior to the apex of the ear, 1.5 cun within the hairline.

Toulinqi GB-15

Toulinqi GB-15

Directly above Yangbai GB-14, on the pupil line, 0.5 cun within the hairline, midway between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8.

Muchuang GB-16

Muchuang GB-16

1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.

Zhengying GB-17

Zhengying GB-17

1 cun posterior to Muchuang GB-16 or 2.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.

Naokong GB-19

Naokong GB-19

Directly above Fengchi GB-20, level with Naohu DU-17, on the lateral side of the external occipital protuberance.

Fengchi GB-20

Fengchi GB-20

In the posterior aspect of the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle.

Huantiao GB-30

Huantiao GB-30

At the junction of the middle and lateral third of the distance between the great trochanter and Yaoshu DU-2 of the hiatus of the sacrum. When locating the point, put the patient in lateral recumbent position with the thigh flexed.

Guangming GB-37

Guangming GB-37

5 cun directly above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Zulingqi GB-41

Zulingqi GB-41

In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the foot.

Xiaxi GB-43

Xiaxi GB-43

Between the 4th and 5th toes, proximal to the margin of the interdigital web.

Zuqiaoyin GB-44

Zuqiaoyin GB-44

On the lateral side of the 4th toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Added to Cart