Glaucoma (Adjunct)
Overview
Qingfeng neizhang (glaucoma adjunct) belongs to the category of internal eye diseases in TCM. Its main manifestations include distending pain of the eyeball, blurred vision, progressive narrowing of the visual field, and dilated pupil. It often arises from emotional dysregulation, internal accumulation of phlegm-dampness, or yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, leading to qi stagnation and accumulation of stagnant aqueous humor. Related to Western medicine glaucoma, TCM treatment emphasizes pattern differentiation, using methods of soothing the liver and regulating qi, transforming phlegm and removing dampness, nourishing the liver and kidney, and invigorating blood and unblocking collaterals to help control intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Liver Qi Stagnation Pattern
Distending pain of the eyeball, blurred vision, emotional depression or irritability, distending fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, belching and sighing, pale red tongue with thin white coating, and a wiry pulse.
Soothe the liver and relieve depression; regulate qi and unblock the collaterals.
Phlegm-Dampness Overflowing the Eyes Pattern
Distending pain of the eyeball, blurred vision as if looking through fog, heaviness of the head and chest oppression, nausea and vomiting of phlegm and saliva, poor appetite and loose stools, pale swollen tongue with white greasy coating, and a slippery pulse.
Resolve phlegm and eliminate dampness, descend rebellious qi and brighten the eyes.
Yin Deficiency of Liver and Kidney Pattern
Dull pain of the eyeball, blurred and dim vision, progressive narrowing of the visual field, dry eyes, dizziness and tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, five-center heat, red tongue with little coating, and a thin rapid pulse.
Tonify the liver and kidney, nourish yin and brighten the eyes.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Maintain emotional calm and avoid rage or melancholy; eat a light diet and reduce greasy, sweet, and spicy foods; avoid prolonged head-down posture, using eyes in dim light, and drinking large amounts of water at once; keep regular rest and moderate activity; monitor intraocular pressure and visual field regularly, follow medical advice, and do not stop intraocular pressure-lowering medications on your own.
When to seek medical care
If there is sudden severe eyeball pain, splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, sudden vision loss, markedly elevated intraocular pressure, or halos around lights and rapidly progressing visual field defect, seek medical attention immediately and be alert for acute angle-closure glaucoma to avoid delay and blindness.