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Among the diseases of the nine orifices, eye diseases are the most severe. If mismanaged, blindness will inevitably occur. Even if the Shen Gao (transparent internal tissue of the eyeball) is not damaged, even with the utmost efforts of a skilled practitioner to rescue the condition, it is inevitable that minor clouds will dot the sky and impurities will pollute the clarity, which is truly regrettable. This is why the ancients established ophthalmology as an independent specialty, allowing practitioners to master one skill thoroughly, avoiding the loss of direction due to divergent paths. Unfortunately, contemporary practitioners in this field often rely on dispersing and attacking methods, the disastrous consequences of which are beyond enumeration. My teacher, Master Gu Yangwu, independently penetrated the profound secrets of the Linglan (Spiritual Repository) texts. By differentiating syndromes and selecting prescriptions, his treatments were invariably effective, earning him fame across the north and south, with patients from near and far flocking to him daily. Since settling in Songjiang Prefecture, he has accumulated thousands of cases. In the spring of this year, fearing that these records might be lost due to their volume, he collected several verified cases and compiled them into two volumes. He further wrote treatises on miscellaneous diseases complicated by external infections of the Six Evils (Liu Yin) and internal injuries caused by the Seven Emotions (Qi Qing), elucidating the primary diseases of the Zang-Fu organs with meticulous detail and comprehensive coverage. This work serves as a guide for ophthalmology and a standard for the medical community. His therapeutic principles are detailed in the "General Treatise on Treating Eyes." Regarding prescription formulation, he followed the style of Zhang Jingyue; regarding herb selection, he adhered to the principles of Zhang Yuansu, demonstrating his alignment with ancient masters and harmony of spiritual origin. However, his ingenious thinking and unique insights transcend the comprehension of superficial learners.

Previously, Ni Weide's book *Yuanji Qiwei* (Origin of Mechanisms Unveiled) was cherished by Xue Lizhai as a supreme treasure and included in the Twenty-Four Medical Books. Its therapeutic approach primarily emphasized tonification, consistent with Li Dongyuan's Spleen-Stomach theory and Zhu Danxi's Yin-nourishing theory, hence containing many attached case records. Apart from these major figures, all experts had systematic discussions on eye diseases, presenting cold, heat, deficiency, and excess simultaneously, and using tonifying, purging, warming, and cooling methods interchangeably. Only Zhang Hezi, who suffered from eye disease himself, was cured by someone pricking blood with needles. Consequently, he advocated the method of "breaking excess blood," creating erroneous theories that evolved first into hook-and-cut surgery and later into cauterization, causing harm to countless individuals. Recently, Zhang Feichou achieved remarkable results instantly using the Golden Needle Cataract Extraction technique, as detailed in *Zhangshi Yitong* (Medical Compendium of Mr. Zhang). This method is indeed miraculous, and those who possess it are envied by the world. Although many are cured, many others are injured; thus, it is not considered optimal treatment.

Master systematically reviewed the essential principles of former sages, first investigating the root causes, then detailing the Zang-Fu organs, and subsequently addressing the meridians. By analyzing pulses and symptoms, he enables the confused to become clear and the doubtful to understand. I recall in the autumn of the Yichou year, I accidentally contracted an eye disease. After seeing several doctors and overusing wind-dispersing and fire-clearing agents, I nearly fell into eternal darkness. Thanks to Master's efforts, I retained a sliver of light and could continue my scholarly pursuits. Having been confined to examination halls for years without ambition for official rank, I occasionally studied medical texts to save others and myself, believing this plan would benefit both. Thus, I sought to study under Master, who taught me this compilation. Through oral instruction and gestural explanation, he awakened me like a sudden blow to the head. Therefore, I requested its publication to share with colleagues, so that those misled by improper treatment may keep it at hand, consult prescriptions according to symptoms, and avoid repeated errors and endless harm. Is this not a great fortune for the people?

Postscript by Yu Fen, humble disciple of Pinghu, bowing respectfully, on the third day after the first day of the second month of the Dingmao year, the twelfth year of the Jiaqing reign.