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The corneal opacity (Yi, 翳) caused by smallpox toxin originates from the internal organs and extends to the exterior; the treatment method should only focus on invigorating blood and resolving toxicity. Since invigorating blood does not lead to excessive heat, and resolving toxicity does not lead to excessive cold, when the five zang organs are in harmony, the opacity will naturally disappear. One must absolutely avoid using eye drops, as this may instead damage the eyes. If the eyes are closed with tearing, unable to tolerate light, and can only open in darkness, this is photophobia (Xiuming, 羞明). For cases accompanied by redness of the eyes, Xi Gan Ming Mu San (Liver-Washing Eye-Brightening Powder) is the primary prescription. If the eyes cannot open even in darkness, this indicates sores within the eyes, treated with Wang Yue Sha San (Moon Sand Powder). If the eyes can open but vision is dim and unclear, this is due to blood deficiency, treated with Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) modified. However, since there is often concurrent liver and kidney deficiency, Di Huang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction) material is preferred, as its efficacy surpasses that of Si Wu Tang. If the eyelids are highly swollen without tearing, it is due to damp-heat in the spleen meridian, requiring the method of raising yang and dispersing dampness.

The eyes are the gathering place of essence and brilliance, and the pathway for clear yang qi. There are two main causes for eye diseases. For instance, sudden redness, swelling, and pain, with a red barrier obscuring the pupil, indicates insufficient true yin and external invasion of wind-heat, representing a disease involving fire. Treatment should first disperse pathogens to address the branch (symptoms), followed by heavy, turbid fluids-nourishing methods to address the root, thereby allowing turbid yin to dissipate and clear yang to arise, enabling the eyes to see through blood nourishment. Conversely, if there is no opacity or barrier, or a white membrane forms, and the eyes appear normal when open but vision is lost upon looking at objects, this indicates insufficient true yang and internal depletion of essential brilliance, representing a disease lacking fire. Treatment should heavily tonify true yang, focusing exclusively on the root. When primordial yang is generated internally, essential brilliance will naturally manifest externally. Merely engaging in blood nourishment cannot achieve the function of endowing the eyes with brightness like the sky! If cooling and dispersing agents are recklessly added, the harm will extend far beyond mere eye damage. This is my humble opinion.

Sore throat. Although considered residual toxin, symptoms vary. In cases of wind-heat cough with throat discomfort, Gan Jie Fang Feng Tang (Licorice, Scutellaria, and Saposhnikovia Decoction) is used. In cases of sore throat with high fever, red pock marks, and hot hands and feet, this indicates unresolved residual toxin, treated with Chai Hu Mai Dong San (Bupleurum and Ophiopogon Powder). In cases of sore throat with loose stools, thirst desiring warm drinks, and hot hands and feet, this is spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, treated with Wu Wei Yi Gong San (Five-Ingredient Modified Success Formula). If fingers feel hot initially upon touch but cold after prolonged pressure, this is also spleen-stomach deficiency-heat, treated with Ren Shen Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder). In cases of sore throat with yellow stools, hot finger/toe tips, fever with thirst, red face, and desire for cold drinks, this is excess heat in the stomach, treated with Xie Huang San (Drain Yellow Powder) or She Gan Niu Bang Zi Tang (Belamcanda and Burdock Seed Decoction). In cases where the patient habitually suffers from sore throat, has a pale complexion, cold feet, but after smallpox develops fever, red face, thirst desiring warm drinks, upper body heat with cold feet and sore throat, this is deficient fire flaring upward due to deficiency of the three yang meridians of the foot. Even if temporary foot heat occurs, it is still yin deficiency with fire movement. For such conditions before smallpox eruption, formulas that strengthen water (nourish yin) should be administered to prevent complications like lower back pain, hoarseness, and blackening indicating kidney involvement during eruption. For those who have erupted or crusted over but exhibit these signs, Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) decoction should be given freely, followed by Qi Yi Tang (Benefit Qi Decoction) type formulas to support spleen and lung, thereby generating the source of transformation, allowing fire to retreat and organs to heal spontaneously.