Helping To Prevent Myopia with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a mild yet common condition where patients experience challenges in seeing objects in the distance but have no problems seeing near objects. It is an eye focus disorder that can be rectified with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. This condition has been increasing rapidly in recent years, especially with children of school age.
Myopia occurs when the light entering your eyes does not focus correctly, resulting in blurry images. The cornea is the transparent outer front layer that allows light to pass through our eyes. Light is bent or refracted as it goes through our lens and cornea so that light is focused on our retina, the layer at the back of our eye that is sensitive to light.
For those with normal vision, their cornea and lens work as intended and ensure that the light focuses on their retina. As for those with myopia, the focus falls in front of the retina, resulting in a less defined image in the back of the eye. When this happens, objects will appear fuzzier the farther away they are.
Night Myopia
Those with night myopia are short-sighted in low-light situations and experience considerably worse vision at night. Their vision may be blurry at night or in dim situations even if they have clear vision in the day with sufficient daylight. They may have difficulty driving at night and may see a ring of light or a glare around traffic lights. Other symptoms of night myopia include constant squinting or feeling discomfort or eye strain when trying to focus on images in low-light conditions.
Non-Pathologic Myopia
Also known as physiological myopia, simple myopia, or school myopia, this type of myopia can be corrected with contact lenses or glasses for sharp vision. The onset of this condition usually starts in childhood and progresses throughout adolescence.
Pathologic Myopia
Pathologic myopia is also called degenerative myopia. Even with the use of corrective lenses, those with this condition still may not be able to have clear vision. This progressive, irreversible condition typically presents itself early on in childhood.
Symptoms of Myopia
You may be experiencing myopia if:
- Objects in the distance appear blurry or fuzzy
- Objects nearby appear clear and sharp
- You experience headaches and eye strain
- You constantly squint
- You feel tired when driving, playing sports, or looking at objects farther away
- You shut your eyelids slightly to focus on images
Examples of myopia in adults include finding it challenging to focus on the following:
- Street signs or signs in the distance
- Projector, movie, or television screens
- Whiteboards
- Driving
Since myopia starts to present itself in childhood, additional symptoms in children include:
- Limited attention span
- Sitting close to the television
- Holding phone, tablet, or laptop screens closer to their face
- Performing poorly in school
- Moving items close to their face
- Blinking or rubbing their eyes frequently
- Appearing oblivious to objects in the distance
What causes Myopia?
Although the exact cause of myopia is uncertain, it is believed to be a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. It is possible to inherit the condition from one or both of your parents or to develop the condition due to environmental factors. If your work involves looking at things closely for extended periods like using the computer, you may be at risk of developing myopia.
What causes Myopia under TCM principles?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, myopia may be caused by a systemic imbalance within the body. Qi (life force or vital energy) is imperative in preserving a clear vision. Those who are qi-deficient in their heart and gallbladder may be experiencing a shortage in life force, resulting in their heart being incapable of maintaining their vision properly.
Another reason is heart qi deficiency and stagnation caused by phlegm turbidity, leading to obstructed qi and disturbed sensory orifices because of the blockage, ultimately producing visual challenges.
Complications of Myopia
Children who have myopia may be unhappy at school as other academic skills such as reading may be affected. They may find social interactions challenging and may suffer from poor self-esteem due to all these difficulties.
As for adults with myopia, they may experience a lower quality of life if they are unable to perform their daily tasks properly or enjoy their usual habits. Having constant eye strain or headaches is uncomfortable, and their safety as well as those around them may be affected, especially if they are driving or handling heavy equipment.
Moreover, having pathologic myopia may put you more at risk of developing more severe eye conditions such as:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Optic neuropathy
- Neovascularisation (growth of new blood vessels in the eye)
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic optic neuropathy
TCM Treatment for Myopia
TCM Herbs
TCM herbs may help with the treatment of myopia and preserve clear vision. Since myopia is believed to have stemmed from a deficit in qi, tonic herbs like ginseng can help to improve energy and general vitality.
Other than that, TCM herbs like endive and escarole, which are abundant in vitamin A, can help to maintain eye health. Bilberry is known to protect the eye, and dogwood leaves can strengthen eye muscles. Eyebright and liquorice were also used to treat myopia in the past due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is useful in treating myopia, as it boosts blood flow and the flow of qi to the eyes. When the acupuncture points around the eyes are stimulated, visual ability and the degree of myopia may be reduced. Acupuncture can also be used as a complementary treatment together with conventional Western treatments for better efficacy.
Treating Myopia with TCM in Singapore
If you suffer from myopia in Singapore and are interested in finding out more about how TCM can help you, contact us today to book an appointment.