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The human eyes are like the sun and moon in the sky. The sun and moon possess brightness, illuminating all directions. If smoke obscures the sky, then what was bright becomes dark. Similarly, the two eyes can be affected. It is only when the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Sorrow, Fear, Fright) attack internally, and the Six Qi (Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire) are induced by external pathogens, compounded by excessive indulgence in alcohol and sexual activity, gazing into the wind, running while exposed to heat, washing the face with cold water, and failing to cherish oneself, that eye diseases arise.

Speaking specifically, the upper and lower eyelids belong to the Spleen. Redness, wetness, and ulceration of the eyelids indicate Spleen Fire steaming upward. The inner and outer canthi (eye corners) belong to the Heart. Cracking and redness of the canthal tissues indicate Heart Fire flaming upward. The white sclera surrounding the eyes belongs to the Lung. Red veins appearing on the white surface indicate Lung Fire rising upward. The large, round black eyeballs (Wulun) belong to the Liver. Swelling and pain of the eyeballs indicate Liver Fire rushing upward. The interior of the pupils belongs to the Kidney. Dimness and pain of the pupils indicate Kidney Fire ascending. In summary, the Liver takes the primary role. The Ministerial Fire residing in the Liver and Gallbladder, once activated by Liver Fire, causes fire from other meridians to follow suit, resulting in pain.

However, there are cases of excessive tearing, uncontrollable weeping, and unbearable itching, which are caused by Wind pathogen. Wind agitates the Liver Wood, blowing and stirring it, thus causing continuous tearing. The reason for excessive tearing is that tears are the fluid of the Liver; when Wind moves, water flows. The reason for unbearable itching is that it is purely Wind without Fire, hence causing itching but not pain.

There are also cases where the pupil is dilated and lacks luster, indicating Kidney Deficiency. Insufficient Kidney Water fails to nourish Liver Wood; consequently, Liver Wood lacks strength to converge its essence, leading to dilation and lack of luster. Cases of blurred vision indicate Qi Deficiency. Dryness and lack of moisture in the eyes indicate Blood Deficiency. Photophobia with a preference for darkness indicates extreme Deficiency. Vertigo and instability indicate Phlegm-Wind obstruction. Distending pain in the eye sockets indicates Exuberant Liver Qi. The physician must examine carefully and treat accordingly: if there is Fire, purge the Fire; if there is Wind, disperse the Wind; if Qi is deficient, tonify Qi; if Blood is deficient, nourish Blood; if Deficiency is extreme, tonify Deficiency; if obstructed by Phlegm-Wind, eliminate Wind and resolve Phlegm; if Liver Qi is exuberant, suppress the Liver and regulate Qi. For all eye diseases, nourishing Blood is essential.

As the ancients said, the essence and blood of the Five Zang organs are derived from the Spleen and ascend to the eyes. Therefore, regulating the Spleen and Stomach is the supreme strategy for treating eye diseases. The Spirit of the Heart manifests in the eyes and should be kept calm and nurtured. Fatigue will carry the Ministerial Fire to act recklessly, disrupting the command of the Sovereign Fire, allowing pathogenic factors to clash, thereby causing loss of clarity. This is the root of nurturing the Heart to treat eye diseases. Physicians should regard regulating the Spleen and Stomach, as well as nourishing Blood and calming the Spirit, as the foundation of treating eye diseases. They should examine this carefully.