Keratitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different keratitis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Keratitis refers to the inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye. This condition can be caused by infections, injury, environmental factors, or underlying diseases. Symptoms often include pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the feeling of having something in the eye.
Keratitis can lead to serious complications, including vision loss, if not treated promptly and effectively. Subtypes of this condition, such as purulent keratitis, involve more specific symptoms and causes, typically related to infection.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches keratitis not just as an isolated eye problem but as a manifestation of broader systemic imbalances. In TCM, the health of the eyes is intimately connected to the Liver, which stores Blood, and the Kidneys, which house Essence.
Therefore, issues like keratitis are often seen as indications of disharmony in these areas. TCM emphasizes restoring balance through holistic treatment, integrating dietary changes, herbal medicine, and acupuncture to treat both the symptoms and the root causes of keratitis.
TCM Patterns for Keratitis
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause keratitis
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi)
Pale tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Keratitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address keratitis