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Chao Yuanfang stated: Whenever a small nodule suddenly forms inside the eye, and pus is produced within three to five days, it is commonly called "Stealing Needle" (Tou Zhen). This is caused by heat qi lodging between the eyes, where heat pathogens bind with body fluids. However, in mild cases, there is only slight aggregation; once the pus ruptures and the heat subsides, the condition resolves.

According to records: It is said that when a small nodule first appears in the eye, one should observe the patient's back, where fine red spots resembling sores may be found. Pricking these spots with a needle cures the eye disease immediately, hence the name "Stealing Needle." This actually resolves the accumulated heat in the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel. Many people have tried this method with success. However, Chao Yuanfang only described the etiology without further differentiating the channels. There are numerous variations in names and clinical presentations encountered in practice.

Jufang Mimenghua San (Mimosa Flower Powder from the Bureau of Formulas): Treats wind pathogen attacking and penetrating both eyes, causing dim vision, excessive discharge and tearing, photophobia, and sudden redness and swelling.
Ingredients: Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Baijili (Tribuli Fructus, stir-fried), Muzei (Equiseti Herba), Mimenghua (Glochidionis Flos), Shijueming (Haliotidis Concha) (each 1 liang), Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos) (2 liang).
Preparation and Administration: Grind the above ingredients into powder. Take 2 qian per dose, mixed with tea infusion after meals.

San Yin Fang Qianghuo San (Qianghuo Powder from the Three Causes): Treats wind-toxin attacking upward, causing dim and dry eyes, formation of corneal opacities (Yi Mo), sores, as well as lateral or frontal headaches and continuous appearance of black spots in vision.
Ingredients: Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), Xuanjinhua (Inulae Flos), Nanting (Arisaematis Tuber, processed), Gaoben (Ligustici Wallichii Rhizoma et Radix) (each 1 liang).
Preparation and Administration: Grind the above ingredients into powder. Take 2 qian per dose, decocted in water with 3 slices of fresh ginger and 7 leaves of Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba).
Note: The above two formulas act on the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel and Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel.

Li Dongyuan's Mingmu Xixin Tang (Eye-Brightening Asarum Decoction): Treats redness and slight pain in both eyes, photophobia, aversion to cold and wind, fear of fire, entangled eyelashes, excessive sticky discharge, itching and dryness making it difficult to open the eyes, swelling and stuffiness at the brow, nasal congestion, thick sputum and nasal discharge, and constipation with difficulty in defecation.
Ingredients: Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) (each 3 qian), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (2 qian), Gaoben (Ligustici Wallichii Rhizoma et Radix), Baifuling (Poria), Dangguiwei (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, tail end) (each 1 qian), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Manjingzi (Viticis Fructus) (each half qian), Jingjisui (Schizonepetae Spica) (1.5 qian), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix, prepared with wine, 1 qian), Huajiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium) (8 grains), Taoren (Persicae Semen) (20 kernels), Honghua (Carthami Flos) (a small amount).
Preparation and Administration: Cut the ingredients into pieces, divide into four doses. Decoct each dose in water and take hot after meals.
Note: This formula acts on the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel, Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel, and Hand-Shaoyin Heart Channel.

Jiyao Siwu Longdan Tang (Four Substances Gentian Decoction from Essentials): Treats sudden onset of red eyes, corneal opacities, and unbearable pain.
Ingredients: Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) (each half liang), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (each 3 qian), Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Longdancao (Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma) (each 2 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Cut the ingredients into pieces, divide into several doses, and decoct in water.
Note: This formula acts on the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel, Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel, and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel.

Fangfeng Yinzi (Saposhnikovia Drink): Treats trichiasis and entropion (curled eyelashes piercing the eyeball).
Ingredients: Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Renshen (Ginseng Radix) (each 1 qian), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) (half qian), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Xixin Ye (Asari Folium), Manjingzi (Viticis Fructus) (each half qian), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (0.75 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Cut the ingredients into pieces, prepare as one dose, decoct in water, and take after meals.
Note: This formula acts on the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel, Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel, and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel.