Library

Bao Mang (Sudden Blindness) refers to the sudden loss of vision. There are three causes for this disease: Yang deficiency (Yang Gua), Yin isolation (Yin Gu), and Spirit dispersion (Shen Li). This condition belongs to the category of obstruction and rebellion of Qi mechanism.

When caused by damage to Yang, it often stems from sudden anger and rebellion, indulgence in alcohol, preference for spicy foods, or occurs in individuals with prolonged illness, febrile diseases, or phlegm-fire. Symptoms include irritability, constipation, and thirst.

When caused by damage to Yin, it is often due to excessive sexual desire or grief and weeping. The onset resembles that of stroke (Zhong Feng) or cold invasion (Zhong Han).

When caused by damage to the Spirit, it results from excessive thinking, boundless mental exertion, extreme sorrow, or fright and panic. Patients may appear dazed, and during an attack, they exhibit a state akin to idiocy.

It is frequently observed that individuals with Yin deficiency and scant body fluids lose their sight upon waking after an episode of vertigo caused by head wind or phlegm-fire. Those who can maintain proper care may recover spontaneously without treatment.

For those with severe Qi deficiency, a large dose of Renshen Gao (Ginseng Paste) should be administered urgently. For blood deficiency, a large decoction of Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) should be prepared to mix with Renshen Gao.

For cases involving dampness, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) serves as the sovereign herb, accompanied by Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Fuling (Poria), and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) as ministering herbs, and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) as an assistant herb. In treating sudden blindness of the eyes through these three methods, the pathology lies primarily in Qi; hence, Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) are used. Even in blood deficiency, Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is necessary to achieve the effect of "Yang generating Yin growth." The Classic states, "When Qi escapes, vision becomes unclear," which describes this syndrome. Therefore, minerals and metals with heavy, sinking properties are contraindicated because the Spirit and Qi are floating upward; using such drugs will inevitably lead to death.

Qing Mang (Green Blindness) has two types, and one must inquire about the source of the disease. If injured by the Seven Emotions, the Spirit is damaged; treat with Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction) or Baoyuan Tang (Preserve the Origin Decoction) added with Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix), Sharen (Amomi Fructus Rotundus), Shexiang (Moschus), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Danggui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix). If injured by essence and blood, the Gallbladder is impaired; treat with Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) added with Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix). These conditions are difficult to cure, and those who have lost their Spirit are particularly hard to treat effectively. However, those who can preserve their True Qi often recover spontaneously. For the elderly or those recovering from serious illness, or those with insufficient Heart and Kidney, treatment is unlikely to succeed. It is a great error for people to simply call any blindness "Qing Mang" upon seeing it. Qing Mang is characterized by a pupil of normal size without defect or damage; closely examined, it looks identical to a healthy eye, yet the patient cannot see. Only then is it considered this syndrome. If the pupil exhibits any abnormal coloration, it is an internal cataract (Nei Zhang), not Qing Mang.