Library

The black pupil (cornea/pupil area) is associated with the Liver. The Liver belongs to Wood in the Five Elements, corresponds to the East, and generates Wind. Among the Zang organs, the Liver corresponds to the eyes. If sudden anger causes internal stagnation, compounded by Wind-Heat invading the pupil, the symptoms arise from frequent anger, excessive labor, external contraction of Cold-Wind, and internal injury from sexual excess. This leads to dizziness of the head and eyes, blurred vision, and if left untreated for a long time, results in dimness of vision.

The pupil (referring to the visual aperture and internal eye structures) is associated with the Heart. The Heart belongs to Fire. The Heart is named the "Monarch" and resides within the Pericardium. Blood follows the fire and condenses within the eyes. Differentiating deficiency and excess based on the size of the head/eyes, distant vision may appear as if sparks are flashing. Symptoms arise from worry, fatigue, sorrow, and excessive thinking, which internally injure the Heart and externally attack the eyes. This manifests as red vessels infusing the pupil and pterygium (fleshy growth climbing onto the cornea). If left untreated for a long time, it gradually progresses to blindness.

The upper and lower eyelids are associated with the Spleen. The Spleen belongs to Earth. Accumulated heat interferes, providing a source for disease. The upper and lower eyelids become swollen and red; when performing acupuncture or lancing, one must observe whether the base remains attached. Symptoms arise from consuming too much hot, roasted, sour, or pungent food, causing stagnant heat to accumulate internally. This leads to blood stasis, swelling, pain, and a gritty, obstructive sensation. If left untreated for a long time, it results in ulceration of the eyelid margins, trichiasis (in-turned eyelashes), and a lingering, unresolving condition.

The white sclera is associated with the Lung. The Lung belongs to Metal. Heat from the Heart lingers and attacks the Lung organ, causing both eyes to faintly appear covered like crimson gauze. Using acrid-cool formulas to ventilate the Stomach and Intestines resolves the symptoms of dimness resembling fire-redness. Symptoms arise from exposure to frost and snow, irregular eating habits, external contraction of Wind pathogen, and upward attack of internal heat. If left untreated for a long time, it leads to blurred vision, formation of a white membrane obscuring the eye, severe pain preventing opening, and tearing upon exposure to wind.

The pupil proper is associated with the Kidney. The Kidney belongs to Water. It also connects to the Gallbladder orifice, embodying the generative relationship between Water and Wood, indicating that the Liver and Kidney share treatment principles. The Kidney and Gallbladder share a common source, allowing essence to shine brightly. Yin deficiency with hyperactive Fire causes visual hallucinations (flies before the eyes). Upward rushing of Qi turns the divine fluid green; urgently nourishing the source of transformation is required without sighing. Symptoms arise from insatiable desires, excessive sexual activity, great fright injuring the Spirit, and great fear injuring the Will. This depletes Water and Fire, gradually damaging Yin and Yang. Cold tears flow down the face, flying flowers appear before the eyes, green water fills the pupil, leading to conditions such as Qingmang (blindness due to internal obstruction) and internal cataracts.