Library

Chen Shigong stated: Yan Dan (Eye Carbuncle) results from wind pathogen in the Spleen Meridian and excessive heat in the Stomach Meridian, which combine to form swelling. When wind is predominant, the swelling is edematous and easy to resolve; when heat is severe, the swelling is hard and difficult to dissipate. It is appropriate to apply Ruyi Jinhuang San (Ruyi Golden Yellow Powder). Once pus forms, it should be punctured with a needle immediately; delay will cause spontaneous rupture at the inner canthus of the eye. This area corresponds to Jingming (BL1), where the internal cavity is hollow and difficult to heal, often leading to fistula formation and evolving into Lou Jing Chuang (Leaking Pupil Ulcer), which may eventually impair vision. (Zhengzong)

Shen Douyuan stated: The eyelids belong to the Spleen and Stomach, referred to as the Flesh Wheel (Rou Lun). If there is severe redness and swelling without suppuration, it is called Yan Dan (Eye Carbuncle). (Qixuan)

Hu Gongbi stated: Upper and lower Yan Dan (Eye Carbuncle), although located in the Spleen and Stomach region in children, actually involves toxin accumulation in the Heart Meridian. Heat transmits to the Spleen and Stomach, rising upward with heat-toxin, causing Qi and Blood to coagulate and form carbuncle-toxin. (Qingnang)

Li Dongyuan stated: Whenever Yan Dan (Eye Carbuncle) presents with redness, swelling, and itching, followed by pain after itching, failure to treat will lead to suppuration and bleeding. In the initial stage, it is advisable to use Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua) stir-fried with wine, or to apply hot salt through paper for moxibustion-like warming on the affected area.

Xinfa (Essentials of Medical Methods) stated: If Yan Dan (Eye Carbuncle) presents with protruding, drooping swelling that impairs vision, it indicates predominance of wind pathogen, and the edema is easy to resolve; if the color is red-purple and the texture is hard, it indicates predominance of heat pathogen, and the swelling and hardness are difficult to resolve.

Empirical Formula: Mix Yin Zhu (Cinnabar/Red Mercury Sulfide) with water and apply externally; it will resolve spontaneously.

Another Prescription (Grand Tutor Dou):
Zao Fan (Alum), 5 qian; Gan Cao (Licorice Root), 2 liang.
Boil together into a thick paste, add a small amount of Bing Pian (Borneol), and apply to the upper eye orbit using a duck feather.

Another Prescription: Slice lean pork into pieces the size of fingernails, rinse off the blood well water, and apply to the affected area, changing frequently.

Dou Hanqing stated: Regarding Lou Jing Chuang (Leaking Pupil Ulcer), it involves toxic qi of the Liver and evil wind of the Small Intestine attacking outwardly towards the Kidney end, pouring into the pupil. Initially painful, it gradually turns into pus resembling rice water. Over time, vision dims, Qi fails, and Liver function ceases, making it a difficult-to-cure condition. Externally, wash with warm decoction of Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Digutpi (Cortex Lycii), and Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome).

Zhifang Guanyao (Key to Treatment Prescriptions) stated: The treatment focuses primarily on tonifying the Kidney and promoting the Liver.

Xinfa (Essentials of Medical Methods) stated: This condition arises at the inner canthus of the eye due to Liver-heat and Wind-Dampness, originating in the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian (Jingming BL1). This acupoint is where tears are stored. Initially, it appears like a bean or date, with redness, swelling, and pain. Although the local heat is mild, the root cause is deep. After ulceration, discharge of sticky white pus is a favorable sign (Shun), while discharge of green-black pus is dangerous (Xian). If excessive tearing occurs from the ulcer, causing dryness inside the eye, healing will be delayed. If the ulcer destroys the margin of the eyelid, it is incurable.

Miji (Secret Manual) stated: This condition is caused by accumulated heat in the Bladder, where deep-seated pathogens remain unresolved. After long accumulation, it must ulcerate before the disease manifests externally. The acupoint at the inner canthus belongs to the Bladder, opening like a needle hole; pressing it causes pus to seep out, vision becomes slightly dim, and there is a sensation of hidden pain and dryness. It is appropriate to administer Shenxiao Huangqi Tang (Miraculous Astragalus Decoction). For chronic cases that do not heal, use Wu Jin Gao (Black Gold Ointment). Mix with rice cake to form strips, dry them, and insert them into the orifice twice daily. As the white tubular tissue dissolves, muscle tissue regenerates naturally, and pus stops. Subsequently, take pills made from Huangqi Tang (Astragalus Decoction).