Dry Eye Syndrome
Overview
Bai Se Zheng (dry eye syndrome) refers to an eye disorder characterized by dryness and discomfort of the white of the eye without redness or swelling. It corresponds to dry eye syndrome in Western medicine. The disease is commonly caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidney with depletion of body fluids failing to nourish the eyes; or by qi deficiency of the spleen and lung with impaired distribution of fluids; or by external attack of wind-heat and dryness-heat damaging fluids. Clinically it presents with dry eyes, foreign body sensation, burning, photophobia, and visual fatigue, possibly accompanied by dry mouth and nose, red tongue with scanty fluid, and a fine rapid pulse. The condition is chronic and recurrent, related to age, environment, excessive eye use, and systemic diseases.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Yin Deficiency of Liver and Kidney
Dry and uncomfortable eyes, frequent blinking, blurred vision, fatigue after prolonged use, accompanied by dry mouth and nose, dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, insomnia and dreaminess, red tongue with scanty coating, and a fine rapid pulse.
Nourish and supplement the liver and kidney; enrich yin and moisten the eyes.
Qi Deficiency of Spleen and Lung
Dry eyes, weakness of the eyelids, difficulty opening the eyes, visual fatigue, accompanied by fatigue, lack of strength, reluctance to speak, spontaneous sweating, poor appetite, and loose stools, pale tongue with white coating, and a weak pulse.
Supplement the spleen and benefit the lung; boost qi and generate fluids.
Wind-Heat Invading the Eyes
Dry, burning eyes, foreign body sensation, photophobia and tearing, slight redness of the white of the eye, accompanied by sore throat, dry mouth with mild thirst, red tongue tip and edges with thin yellow coating, and a floating rapid pulse.
Disperse wind and clear heat; moisten dryness and brighten the eyes.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Avoid prolonged screen time; rest the eyes for 5-10 minutes every 40 minutes and blink frequently. Maintain a humid environment and avoid direct air conditioning and smoke/dust irritation. Eat a light diet with yin-nourishing and moistening foods such as lily bulb, white fungus, goji berry, and black sesame; avoid pungent and dry-heat foods. Keep regular sleep and avoid staying up late. Self-massage acupoints such as Jingming (BL1), Cuanzhu (BL2), and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Reduce wearing contact lenses.
When to seek medical care
If eye dryness suddenly worsens with sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, marked photophobia and tearing, or redness of the white of the eye, corneal opacity, and purulent discharge, be alert to corneal injury or infection and seek medical attention promptly. If accompanied by dry mouth, joint pain, skin rash, or other systemic symptoms, evaluate for immune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome.