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Nizhang (a type of eye disease where the white membrane descends from above to cover the pupil) arises during the waxing moon phase, and Chuilianzhang (named for its curtain-like appearance) is merely a nominal term. After years of delay, chaotic qi begins to spread and obscure the eyeball. If the condition worsens with stagnation, it transforms into redness and pain. These symptoms share many similarities, so differentiation must be clear.

This syndrome arises in the upper half of the Fenglun (Wind Wheel, i.e., the cornea), gradually covering the Tongshen (pupil). Regardless of thickness, if the external color is pale white, it fits this description. If it is red, it indicates contact with pulsating fire, leading to an increase in pathology, which is not the original disease. This is likely due to pre-existing ocular disturbances that were not controlled in time; merely using acrid-cool dispersing and descending methods damaged the blood and trapped the fire, causing gradual injury to the Fenglun over many years without cure. If the physician is not highly skilled, or if the patient lacks firm faith in the treatment, it may become a chronic, stubborn ailment. Initially, the Shenshui (aqueous humor) is clear, but later, Gao Se (opacity or turbidity) condenses to form the obstruction. This results from essence depletion and fire scorching; deep contemplation is required, and medication should not be administered carelessly. Some argue that since the obstruction arises from above, it should be called a "Shun" (smooth/favorable) pattern, why call it "Ni" (reverse/unfavorable)? This refers to fire: fire nature ascends, but here it descends, violating its natural course, hence termed "Ni". Furthermore, its downward coverage justifies the name "Chuilian" (Curtain). Treatment requires observing the patient's comfort or distress, examining the pulse, asking about preferences, and verifying previous eye drops used. Only after detailed assessment should one prescribe. Generally, treatments include Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) with modifications, and swallowing Qianjin Cizhu Wan (Thousand Gold Magnetite Pill). If ineffective, switch to methods that tonify yang, invigorate blood, resolve depression, and moisten dryness. Apply Furong Jing (Hibiscus Mirror preparation) by day and Kongqing Shi (Azurite/Mineral preparation) by night; combined application ensures recovery. For acute onset cases presenting similar obstructions, treat according to those specific patterns, not this example. However, one must always be meticulous and perceptive; perfunctory practice leads to medication errors, transforming the condition into Chimai Guan Jing (red vessels penetrating the cornea), and eventually Caiyun Peng Ri (colorful clouds embracing the sun/severe iris prolapse). Even if Longshu Yiwang (Bhaisajyaguru/Vaiduryaprabha Rajaraja Buddha, referred to as a supreme healer) were present, he could only alleviate, not cure.

Like a shy beauty, peeking through clouds to shine upon people; halos arise with wind, rainbows pierce bringing deeper disaster; no clear reflection remains, only a sickly body persists. Deep feelings cannot be spoken; one glance brings tears to wet the handkerchief.

This syndrome starts mildly, later developing redness, astringency, tearing, and multiple opacities on the Hunjing (cornea/sclera). It involves pulse changes and discharge. Over time, all contours are destroyed. Though walking may remain slightly possible, the pupil shows no light movement. The obstruction sits slightly higher than the eyeball, resembling a small dog kidney, thus named "Membrane". There is no pain initially or later; it progresses slowly without change, making it hardest to cure. I have seen youths suffer this, called "Chi Qu Chi Xia" (Red Eye Blindness) by commoners, ending their lives prematurely—a cause for lasting sighs. The etiology lies in frugality and labor damaging muscles and bones, or indulgence in desires and rich flavors depleting true yuan. Formless dry fire hides deep within the meridians, causing this illness. Physicians must administer medicine according to the moment; unlike tangible wind-heat which can be dispersed or attacked, this requires different handling. If star-like or moon-like erosions appear on the obstruction, the disease seems to worsen but recedes quickly because the trapped fire has vented, and smoke will not regenerate. Nevertheless, one must trace causes upward and seek mechanisms within the context, grasping the true nature. Do not stick to old routines; abandon symptom-focused approaches for pulse-based analysis. Gather treasures to make elixirs, apply drops regardless of effort, take herbs without sparing cost. Some may see the fog lift and sky appear, smiling at those who once mocked them as "Chi Qu Chi Xia"; yet I fear they may be mocked in return.

My clan uncle Zhengkun contracted this disease in his prime. When subjected to beating, he was exempted from public corporal punishment (Xiang Zhang, Guo Zhang) and received it privately at home. At that time, I had just begun studying ophthalmology. Observing his obstruction near the white membrane, I felt it was loose rather than smooth. I removed Jiaosu (grains/papillae) from inside and outside his eyelids, applied Babao Kongqing Shi (Eight Treasures Azurite), Furong Jing, and Jiawei Cizhu Wan (Modified Magnetite Pill) day and night, while intermittently decocting Shenxiao Huangqi Tang (Miraculous Astragalus Decoction) and Quanzhen Yiqi Tang (Complete True Qi Decoction). Within four months, clarity was fully restored. He not only avoided further punishment but also walked in markets at night for over ten years before passing away. His son,某某, showed disrespect toward me. Whenever relatives asked how my uncle regained sight after long-term blindness, he replied: "It is destiny." Alas! Uncle Kun lived long and healthy; perhaps that is heaven's will, but can destiny reverse aging in the eyes?

Mr. Yang Yunchu from Xincheng, father and son both young Jinshi scholars. In correspondence, he addressed me as nephew, not brother. This was because I often served as a tutor in his household, maintaining good relations with his father and uncles. Humility and reverence are indeed the hallmark of scholars. Medicine is a humble profession; even with superior learning, one maintains bonds beyond status (Che-Li Alliance). Yet he strictly adhered to ancient etiquette between fathers' friends, treating the "destiny" explanation given by his son as insignificant as mountains and rivers.