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Treating eye diseases. Burn the dry branches of green mulberry trees over hard charcoal fire to obtain white ash. Dip copper chopsticks into the ash and apply to the eyes two or three times; this is highly effective. Do not use branches from water mulberry or yellow mulberry, nor mix in ordinary charcoal ash.

Eye diseases vary greatly, including conditions such as eyelid ulceration (Lanyan), aversion to light and discharge (Eman Xiuming), leukoma obscuring vision (Yimo), astringency and pain (Se Tong), night blindness (Que Mu), photophobia with stinging pain (Tao Zhen), internal cataract (Nei Zhang), and external cataract (Wai Zhang), among others, which are too numerous to list exhaustively. Here, only several types of red eye (Chi Yan) are presented. For those suffering from any eye disease, regardless of whether it is chronic or recent, the above-mentioned conditions can be treated with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), accompanied by Shengshu Dihuang Wan (Raw and Cooked Rehmannia Pill). Applications and washes should be sought from specialized practitioners. Adding a piece of steamed Rhizoma Rhei Preparatum (Zheng Da Huang), sized like a chestnut, to Siwu Tang is particularly excellent.

Prolonged visual strain damages the eyes, leading to insufficiency of Liver Blood, resulting in blurred vision and a sensation of smoke or flames rising within the eyes. This condition requires nourishing blood, for which Shengshu Dihuang Wan is suitable.

Long-term vegetarianism may lead to dim vision or night blindness. Since food generates essence, its deficiency deprives the eyes of nourishment, reducing clarity of sight.

For various eye conditions, physicians often employ Zhiyan Liuqi Yin (Eye-Regulating Qi-Flowing Drink), which falls under specialized ophthalmology. For common red eye, grind Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) into powder. Take one large Radish (Laitao), cut off the top to serve as a lid, hollow out the center to create a cavity, insert the Huanglian powder inside, replace the lid, secure it with bamboo skewers, and slowly roast over low heat until cooked. Remove, let cool, and drip the juice from the radish into the eyes.

Red eye presents in several types: those caused by Qi toxicity, those caused by Heat stagnation, and those that occur intermittently. These are all essentially due to Blood stagnation in the Liver Meridian, as the Liver stores Blood and opens into the eyes. Red eye pathology generally stems from the Liver. Mix Heishen San (Black Divine Powder) and Xiaofeng San (Wind-Expelling Powder) in equal proportions, take with warm water after meals and before sleep. Additionally, apply slices of tofu to the eyes; salted tofu is acceptable, but fermented sour tofu is not. This corresponds to the principle of applying black soybeans to the eyes.

If the condition involves Wind-Heat with severe redness, increase the proportion of Xiaofeng San relative to Heishen San. Occasionally, rinse the eyes with diluted rice water at bedtime using cold Ligan San (Liver-Washing Powder) or Juhua San (Chrysanthemum Powder) for both washing and oral administration. Continue taking Siwu Tang, using raw Sheng Dihuang (Raw Rehmanniae Radix) and Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), taking only half a dose, administered once after meals. Then add Ban Qian of Chufeng Fuling (Polyporus with Red Dye) and Zuì Jiāngjūn (Jiu Zheng Dahuang, i.e., Rhizoma Rhei prepared with wine). In the morning, take 20–30 pills of Yangzheng Dan (Upright-Qi Preserving Pill) with salt water.

If overly cooling agents are unsuitable, Ligan San need not be used. Instead, use two qian of Heishen San and one qian of Xiaofeng San.

If red eye persists without cure and various eye medications prove ineffective, take Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Perilla Seed Descending-Qi Decoction) upon waking, followed by Heixi Dan (Black Tin Pill). Before sleep, take Xiaofeng San followed by Sanhuang Wan (Three Yellows Pill). At noon, take Heishen San mixed with wine. These medicines treat not only chronic red eye but various other eye diseases.

If visual halos or floaters appear, this indicates Liver Deficiency. Seek remedies from the section on Deficiency Syndromes regarding vertigo/dizziness. Alternatively, if floaters result from another primary illness, treat according to the specific diagnosis of that underlying condition.

There is also "Qi Eye," characterized by pain immediately following anger. This is suitable for treatment with Jiutiao Fuyuan Tongqi San (Alcohol-Mixed Restoring Circulation and Unblocking-Qi Powder).

There is also "Headwind Eye," presenting with unilateral or central headache, inability to open the eyes, excessive tearing, and photophobia. Mingmu San (Clear-Vision Powder) is appropriate.