Blurred Vision — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach
In TCM, deficiency of both the liver and kidney with insufficient essence and blood failing to nourish the eyes was associated with dry eyes and blurred vision.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Essence-Blood Insufficiency and Eyes Failing to Be Nourished
Formula: Qiju Dihuang Wan (Lycium and Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill) — from *Yi Ji*
Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Dry Eyes, Photophobia and Blurred Vision
Formula: Ming Mu Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Pill to Brighten the Eyes) — from *Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases*
These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Food Therapy & Diet
Dietary Therapy Recipes
- Goji Berry, Chrysanthemum and Pork Liver Soup: 25 g goji berries, 25 g chrysanthemum flowers, 50 g dendrobium, 150 g pork liver, 150 g spinach; simmer into a soup.
- Goji Berry and Chrysanthemum Congee: 15 g goji berries, 4 g white chrysanthemum flowers, 150 g glutinous rice; cook into congee.
- Stir-Fried Pork Liver with Goji Berries: 15 g goji berries, 200 g pork liver; stir-fry.
- Sesame, Walnut, Milk and Honey Drink: blend black sesame and walnuts with milk and add honey.
Dietary Principles
- Favor foods that may nourish the liver and kidney, build blood, and support eye health: goji berry, chrysanthemum, mulberry, black sesame, walnut, black soybean, pork/lamb/chicken liver.
- Favor a light diet rich in vitamin A: carrot, animal liver, egg, soy products.
- Avoid spicy and stimulating foods (avoid chili when taking Mingmu Dihuang Wan).
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, staying up late, prolonged visual work, and looking at a phone in the dark.
- For those with loose stools and spleen-stomach cold, use rich tonic foods with caution.
Understanding the Condition
In TCM, deficiency of both the liver and kidney with insufficient essence and blood failing to nourish the eyes was associated with dry eyes and blurred vision; this may be accompanied by liver blood insufficiency and kidney yin deficiency, with dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness of the lower back and knees.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.