Cataract in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different cataract patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Cataract, a common eye condition, is characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to a decrease in vision. It can occur in one or both eyes and often develops slowly. Symptoms may include faded colors, blurry vision, halos around light, trouble with bright lights, and difficulty seeing at night. This condition is most commonly related to aging but can also result from other risk factors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches cataract as a symptom of deeper imbalances within the body. Unlike Western medicine that focuses on the localized problem in the eye, TCM considers cataract as a manifestation of a systemic imbalance, particularly involving the Liver and Kidney Channels.
TCM principles suggest that the condition arises due to Deficiencies in vital substances like Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, and the presence of pathogenic factors like Dampness and Heat. The TCM approach is holistic, aiming to rebalance these elements to treat the condition.
TCM Patterns for Cataract
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause cataract
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi)
Pale tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian), Floating (Fu)
Normal or red color on the sides with no coating or rootless coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Cataract
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address cataract