Quick Facts
| Health Topic | Head & Facial Care |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Dry eyes, Gritty eyes, Eyes feel dry, Lack of tear film, Dry eye sensation |
| Common Symptoms | A dry, gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, sometimes with mild redness or blurred vision that improves with blinking. Discomfort often worsens with screen use, wind or late nights. Tears may feel insufficient rather than overflowing. |
| Related TCM Patterns | Blood Deficiency · Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Related Classical Formulas |
Eye Dryness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, eye dryness may be associated with Blood deficiency or Kidney Yin deficiency. Differentiation looks at whether there is a pale complexion and fatigue, or tinnitus, night sweats and a red tongue with little coating. Classical formulas are matched to these pattern features rather than to ocular dryness alone. Accompanying signs such as tongue appearance, pulse quality and the presence of heat or cold help distinguish one presentation from another.
TCM Patterns Associated With Eye Dryness
The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.
| Pattern | Common Features | Related Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency血虛證Deficiency Patterns | A pale or sallow complexion, dry hair or skin, light-headedness on standing, blurred vision, and easy fatigue. In women the menstrual flow is often scanty and pale. Sleep may be light, and the hands and feet can feel numb when tired. Tongue pale and thin; pulse thin and weak. | |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency腎陰虛證Deficiency Patterns | Soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, tinnitus or dizziness, night sweats, warm palms and soles, and dry mouth or throat that is worse at night. Sleep may be light, and the person often prefers cool drinks. The frame may be thinner. Tongue red with little coating; pulse thin and rapid. |
Classical Formulas Traditionally Associated
Associated with 5 classical formulas
Listed for study. Which formula fits, if any, depends on the pattern rather than the symptom.
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
杞菊地黃丸 · Qǐ Jú Dì Huáng Wán
Kidney Yin DeficiencyYin-Tonifying FormulasSi Wu Tang
四物湯 · Sì Wù Tāng
Blood DeficiencyBlood-Tonifying FormulasZi Shen Ming Mu Tang
滋腎明目湯 · Zī Shèn Míng Mù Tāng
Kidney Yin DeficiencyYin-Tonifying FormulasQing Shang Fang Feng Tang
清上防風湯 · Qīng Shàng Fáng Fēng Tāng
Wind-HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasXi Gan Ming Mu San
洗肝明目散 · Xǐ Gān Míng Mù Sǎn
Liver FireHeat-Clearing FormulasRelated Health Topic
Head & Facial Care — Formulas that address headaches, sinus issues, and conditions affecting the head and face.
Health Topic
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This library is educational. It describes how Traditional Chinese Medicine has traditionally understood these presentations. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not a treatment recommendation.
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