TCM Treatment for Dry Eyes
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear ducts produce insufficient or poor-quality tears that do not adequately moisten the eyes. Tears contain mucus, water, and oil to help lubricate the eye and keep it clear and healthy. Tears also contain naturally occurring lysozymes that help fend off harmful bacteria and viruses.
If tears do not have the proper consistency of mucus, water, and oil, it can reduce the quality of your tears and how they moisten the eyes. Alternatively, a clog in the tear glands can also impair tear production and make it harder to keep your eyes moist. Other causes include:
- Certain illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids.
- Inflammation of the tear glands that impairs tear production.
- Other eye conditions or allergies that cause eye irritation.
- Fluctuating hormone levels as we age.
- Exposure to smoke and other airborne pollutants that can irritate the eyes.
- Low insulin levels due to diabetes.
- Certain medications have after-effects that impact tear production; some blood pressure prescriptions produce less of a specific protein needed for tear production.
- Prolonged eye exposure to computer or smartphone screens, causes reduced blinking.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
You may feel discomfort or irritation in, on, or around your eye, including your eyeball. Rubbing your eyes might help, but it may return a while later or worsen. Other symptoms include:
- Feeling as if your eyes are burning up or stinging.
- Feeling as if something is stuck in your eyes.
- Persistent irritated eyes.
- Reddish eyes, especially if exposed to smoke or other airborne pollutants.
- Blurry vision while trying to read or work at your computer.
- Increased light sensitivity.
- Mucus buildup in or around your eyes.
- Frequent watering of the eyes.
TCM Treatments for Dry Eyes
TCM views the body as an interconnected system; imbalances can manifest as various eye conditions. Dry eyes are generally associated with a Yin deficiency, characterised by eye dryness and irritability due to an excess of Yang.
TCM treatments address these imbalances by unblocking your meridians, invisible channels that allow Qi (or vital force) to flow throughout your body and promote its well-being.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Herbal Teas
TCM practitioners prescribe herbal medicines to address your body's deficiencies and treat dry eye syndrome. A thorough physical examination will allow them to understand your needs. They can then prescribe the herbs needed to treat your dry eyes.
Herbal remedies may treat imbalances caused by Yin deficiency by targeting the kidneys and liver, whose meridians are associated with the eyes. Herbs such as dang gui (angelica sinensis) and goji berries are commonly prescribed to help tonify the liver and kidneys and “brighten” the eyes once more while adding beneficial antioxidants and other nutrients.
Herbal medicine also minimises the side effects that conventional medications may cause, as TCM relies on natural remedies that provide holistic healing the body needs.
Herbal Teas for Dry Eyes
Herbal teas combine traditional herbs and other nutritious natural ingredients like honey, chrysanthemum flowers, and various roots and seeds. Unlike herbal remedies, herbal teas are simple home remedies with fewer ingredients but offer many health benefits. You can find these ingredients in local marketplaces or online sellers and make these teas yourself.
Acupuncture for Dry Eyes
Studies note that acupuncture is a complementary therapy for treating various eye conditions. It involves carefully placing tiny, sterilised needles on specific acupuncture points (acupoints). Each meridian corresponds to different organs in your body, and every acupoint along these meridians targets particular body parts. Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing processes, ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and blood to alleviate dry eye syndrome.
Since the kidneys and liver are intertwined with eye health, treating these helps alleviate dry eyes. If necessary, other organs, including the spleen, must also be treated.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be a nuisance, but proper long-term management can help prevent them from worsening. Sometimes, our surroundings are the culprit behind our dry eye woes, while other causes stem from daily activities. Here are some tips to prevent dry eye syndrome from reoccurring.
Avoid Getting Wind in the Eyes
Minimise exposure to hair dryers, air conditioners, or fans to your eyes, as they can cause dry eyes. Use a humidifier to add moisture to your current location.
Wear Protective Eyewear
You can use wraparound eyewear to help shield your eyes from dust, smoke, and other airborne pollutants.
Rest Your Eyes Often
With how screen-heavy our work and lifestyles have become, resting our eyes can reduce dryness caused by reduced blinking as we stare at our screens. Blinking occasionally can help, but short 10-minute breaks are good to minimise eye strain.
Avoid Smoky Environments
Smoke and other airborne pollutants easily irritate the eyes, so avoid these areas. If you are a smoker, quitting now can significantly reduce the risk of chronically dry eyes.
Maintain Proper Eye Level
Ensure your computer screen is below eye level to avoid widening your eyes to view the screen. Doing this can reduce the speed at which your tears evaporate.
Use Artificial Tears
Non-prescription artificial tears can also be a boon. Look for preservative-free tears and use them according to the recommended instructions.
Seek Holistic Treatment For Your Dry Eyes with TCM
Are you looking for a way to treat your dry eyes? The ICU Eye Care Unit can support your journey with comprehensive support from start to finish and a holistic treatment approach based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. Start your optical health journey with us today; contact us for more information on how we can help you!