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Among all things in the world, nothing is more precious than human beings. Among humans, nothing is more precious than the eyes. The eyes are the treasures of the body, capable of observing all things, shining with infinite radiance, internally connected to the Five Zang Organs (Five Viscera), and externally corresponding to the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Currently, those suffering from eye diseases do so because they are externally affected by Wind-Cold, Summer-Heat, and Dampness, and internally influenced by Worry, Thought, Joy, Anger, etc., compounded by the Five Exertions and Seven Injuries, imbalances of the Four Qi and Seven Emotions, consumption of the Five Pungent Spices (Garlic, Leek, Chives, Shallot, Asafoetida), indulgence in lust and sexual desire, exposure to smoke early in the morning, or prolonged gazing at lights. All these are sources of eye disease. Mild cases result in blurred vision; severe cases lead to nebulae and opacities, growing into pterygium covering the pupil, excessive discharge, tearing, eyelid ulceration, and dizziness. Or one may be harmed by the Five Winds, or invaded by membranes. There is no need to treat only the eyes; first, preserve the Yuan Yang (Primordial Yang Energy). One must cleanse the mind and eliminate distracting thoughts, then take medicine, treating according to the syndrome: whether washing, acupuncture, cauterization, surgical incision, or application of plasters. Clearly distinguish the disease, and treat with great care. (The efficacy is difficult to fully describe.)

The eyes are the essence of the Five Zang Organs and the supreme treasure of the body, like the sun and moon in the sky; how can they not be protected? The essence of bone manifests as the pupil (associated with the Kidney). The essence of sinew manifests as the black part of the eye (Iris, associated with the Liver). The essence of blood manifests as the collaterals (associated with the Heart). The essence of Qi manifests as the white part of the eye (Sclera, associated with the Lung). The essence of flesh manifests as the constraints (Eyelids, associated with the Spleen). Human creation stems from the eyes; the eyes originate from the Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney, limbs, and hands/feet. Nowadays, people often indulge in lust, dissipating their Yuan Yang, causing disharmony among the Five Zang Organs, resulting in excess above and deficiency below, preventing smooth blood circulation. This leads to heat rising upward, causing redness and swelling of the eyes, pain, a sensation of grittiness making them hard to open, nebulae obscuring the pupil, photophobia, and fear of sunlight. Or, due to exterior deficiency, external Wind-Cold invades; the pathogenic factor resides inside, causing intermittent headaches. Over years, this leads to opacities invading the interior of the eye, forming internal cataracts. Or, excessive drinking and frequent consumption of hot-natured foods are all sources of eye damage. Understand and distinguish these formulas/situations to aid the ignorant. For any eye syndrome, examine its principles and treat according to the specific symptoms.

Humans inherit the creation of the Five Elements, formed by the matching of Yin and Yang. This is called: the Five Wheels have fixed positions, and the Eight Palaces have distinct forms. The Five Wheels correspond to the Five Elements, align with the Five Directions, internally correspond to the Five Zang Organs, and externally emerge from the Five Movements (Wu Yun), namely Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The human constitution relies on the support of these five correspondences. The so-called Eight Palaces are divided into the Eight Trigrams, corresponding to the Eight Palaces. Thus, the eyes are treasures of purity, connecting the profound mysteries of the sun and moon. They connect with the Gallbladder Meridian, aligning with the imagery of Heavenly Dao, following the act of looking, functioning with clarity and emptiness. They externally connect to the Five Wheels and internally correspond to the Eight Palaces; therefore, their meridians do not have formal names. Internally, they are named Heaven, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Thunder, Mountain, and Marsh, corresponding to the Eight Palaces. If there is a root of disease, it manifests in the clinical signs. Whenever observing which meridian or palace position is involved, determine the deficiency/excess and cold/heat, and prescribe medication based on the pathogenic Qi invasion. Scholars should carefully deduce this ultimate principle.