Thank you for this topic! I finally have time to read it. A couple months ago, my eyeglasses (I am nearsighted) broke and I haven't replaced them. At first the far distance was uncomfortably blurry, but I am dealing. I can't help but wonder if the Universe thought I didn't really need them in my new life. On to the next post!
Thanks so much for being here and sharing, Maria. I often wonder if using my glasses a little less (and spending much less time on my computer) might improve my eyesight. Sure, I’d probably still need glasses, but I can really sense that how much I use them, and how long I spend fixed on my screen, is contributing to my worsening vision.
Perhaps going without glasses for a while will prove an interesting experiment for you!
Thanks for this piece Dana. I confess, I have not given a lot of thought to my eyes, but when I hit my mid-40s, like you, my previously excellent eye sight went rapidly downhill and I found myself needing reading glasses almost overnight. The same happened for my hearing actually. I know that my vision is affected by the quality of my sleep etc, but I haven't given a great deal of thought to how to take care of it. I'm looking forward to your coming installments and learning more.
I realise you can't disgnose online, but I'm curious what TCM would say about bloodshot eyes? My partner has started to get this a lot recently, especially his right eye for some reason.
Thanks so much for being here and sharing, Vicki. Despite tending to the basics, I’ve given very little thought to my eyes, too - specifically, I’ve resisted reducing screen time or even looking away from my screen for significant breaks while working. Especially with glasses on, it’s as though my focus and entire posture get locked in (and my eyesight is noticeably worse by the end of it). All to say, I’m partly writing this series because I need it too!
As for bloodshot eyes, there are several patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine where that might show up. Some are what we consider “excess” patterns, others are “deficient,” and some are mixed. The contributing factors vary depending on the pattern.
For example, one excess pattern is called Liver Fire. This might show up in people who tend to feel easily outraged and express anger in a hostile or aggressive way. Alcohol consumption can sometimes play a role here. Other signs might include a flushed red face, a bitter taste in the mouth, headaches, or red, dry eyes.
Meanwhile, a deficiency pattern like Kidney Yin deficiency can also lead to redness, but it tends to be less intense. There might be signs of dryness, such as dry mouth or throat, night sweats, low back pain, feeling warm in the evenings, and a red tongue with a scant or peeled coat. There might also be easy anger and irritability, but it’s usually milder in expression compared to Liver Fire.
As one more example (of many), we might see Kidney-Spleen Yang deficiency, where the body struggles to keep blood inside the vessels. There might also be fatigue, cold hands and feet, easy bruising, loose stools, and a pale, swollen tongue with toothmarks on the sides.
From a more biomedical standpoint (as an eye doctor here in Thailand told me recently), the blood vessels in the eyes rupture more easily with age. So things like perimenopause and menopause (often associated in TCM with Kidney Yin deficiency, and sometimes Kidney Yang deficiency) can make bloodshot eyes more common. It’s also worth considering high blood pressure, which can correlate with various TCM patterns, including Liver Yang rising.
Even though TCM language can sound overly simple, prescribing herbs correctly (matched to the specific pattern) is often incredibly effective. Some conditions respond especially well; others, less so - as with any modality.
I hope I didn’t meander too much in this response! Part 2 outlines some of the most common patterns. Seeing them side-by-side, with a handful of hallmark symptoms, can make it easier to get a sense of whether something is more excess or deficient in nature -and what might actually help.
Thanks again for being here, Vicki. I love getting questions on these!
I love thinking about the eyes as windows to our physical and spiritual health. You’ve also done a nice, gentle job haunting me re: “borrowing” energy from my future self. I have a stimulant habit, and this makes me want to cut it :)
Unbelievable. I was reading email and noticed I needed to take a break, so I closed my eyes. And when I opened them, there was your post. Looking forward to all of your insights and recommendations! Thank you! xo
The part where you talk about no quick fixes reminds me of a sign that's in my doctor's clinic here in Pai (she's a TCM and western medicine doctor). It translates to "Good health can't be bought. If you want it, you need to create it yourself."
Those basic lifestyle choices are so so so underrated. I love how you outline them so beautifully every time. I always take something away from your work! Thank you, Dana.
Interesting as always, Dana. Thank you. I appreciate your training and the quality of your presentation here. You are knowledgeable, fun to read, and always give a nice nudge to keep up the healthy habits. I enjoy your page very much.
Thank you for the information and good ideas for eye and overall health.
I had better than 20/20 vision in both eyes until I worked an accounting job in a dark cubicle. It was the late 80's and we had not yet learned how to properly filter light from scanning video screens. In just 6 months, I went to 20/80 and 20/100. Since then, things have barely changed. I did start to lose near-field vision acuity after age 40--as many people do. So, now I wear progressives. I do find that a rewilding practice I learned from one of my mentors, to walk slowly, and barefoot through the woods helps my health, especially my eyes. I often do this without my glasses. It improves my eye-dexterity [is that a thing?] near-field focus and ability to scan the horizon, even if things are a bit fuzzy. It works. Thanks again. I appreciate you.
Oh wow, John - what a dramatic shift and a powerful illustration of the impact screen time can have. Your rewilding practice sounds absolutely amazing and aligns beautifully with what Chinese Medicine might recommend for supporting the eyes and overall health, including mental health and the free flow of emotions. I appreciate you being here and sharing!
Thank you for this topic! I finally have time to read it. A couple months ago, my eyeglasses (I am nearsighted) broke and I haven't replaced them. At first the far distance was uncomfortably blurry, but I am dealing. I can't help but wonder if the Universe thought I didn't really need them in my new life. On to the next post!
Thanks so much for being here and sharing, Maria. I often wonder if using my glasses a little less (and spending much less time on my computer) might improve my eyesight. Sure, I’d probably still need glasses, but I can really sense that how much I use them, and how long I spend fixed on my screen, is contributing to my worsening vision.
Perhaps going without glasses for a while will prove an interesting experiment for you!
This is COOL! Thank you
So glad it’s helpful, Liz!
Thanks for this piece Dana. I confess, I have not given a lot of thought to my eyes, but when I hit my mid-40s, like you, my previously excellent eye sight went rapidly downhill and I found myself needing reading glasses almost overnight. The same happened for my hearing actually. I know that my vision is affected by the quality of my sleep etc, but I haven't given a great deal of thought to how to take care of it. I'm looking forward to your coming installments and learning more.
I realise you can't disgnose online, but I'm curious what TCM would say about bloodshot eyes? My partner has started to get this a lot recently, especially his right eye for some reason.
Thanks so much for being here and sharing, Vicki. Despite tending to the basics, I’ve given very little thought to my eyes, too - specifically, I’ve resisted reducing screen time or even looking away from my screen for significant breaks while working. Especially with glasses on, it’s as though my focus and entire posture get locked in (and my eyesight is noticeably worse by the end of it). All to say, I’m partly writing this series because I need it too!
As for bloodshot eyes, there are several patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine where that might show up. Some are what we consider “excess” patterns, others are “deficient,” and some are mixed. The contributing factors vary depending on the pattern.
For example, one excess pattern is called Liver Fire. This might show up in people who tend to feel easily outraged and express anger in a hostile or aggressive way. Alcohol consumption can sometimes play a role here. Other signs might include a flushed red face, a bitter taste in the mouth, headaches, or red, dry eyes.
Meanwhile, a deficiency pattern like Kidney Yin deficiency can also lead to redness, but it tends to be less intense. There might be signs of dryness, such as dry mouth or throat, night sweats, low back pain, feeling warm in the evenings, and a red tongue with a scant or peeled coat. There might also be easy anger and irritability, but it’s usually milder in expression compared to Liver Fire.
As one more example (of many), we might see Kidney-Spleen Yang deficiency, where the body struggles to keep blood inside the vessels. There might also be fatigue, cold hands and feet, easy bruising, loose stools, and a pale, swollen tongue with toothmarks on the sides.
From a more biomedical standpoint (as an eye doctor here in Thailand told me recently), the blood vessels in the eyes rupture more easily with age. So things like perimenopause and menopause (often associated in TCM with Kidney Yin deficiency, and sometimes Kidney Yang deficiency) can make bloodshot eyes more common. It’s also worth considering high blood pressure, which can correlate with various TCM patterns, including Liver Yang rising.
Even though TCM language can sound overly simple, prescribing herbs correctly (matched to the specific pattern) is often incredibly effective. Some conditions respond especially well; others, less so - as with any modality.
I hope I didn’t meander too much in this response! Part 2 outlines some of the most common patterns. Seeing them side-by-side, with a handful of hallmark symptoms, can make it easier to get a sense of whether something is more excess or deficient in nature -and what might actually help.
Thanks again for being here, Vicki. I love getting questions on these!
Oh thank you so much for such a detailed response. I shall ponder and share those possibilities and encourage him to investigate further 😊
I love thinking about the eyes as windows to our physical and spiritual health. You’ve also done a nice, gentle job haunting me re: “borrowing” energy from my future self. I have a stimulant habit, and this makes me want to cut it :)
I so hear you on that, Isabel... as I prepare to go get my second cup of coffee :). Thank you for being here!
Unbelievable. I was reading email and noticed I needed to take a break, so I closed my eyes. And when I opened them, there was your post. Looking forward to all of your insights and recommendations! Thank you! xo
The universe has its ways... Thank you for being here, Val! xo
Love these tips!
The part where you talk about no quick fixes reminds me of a sign that's in my doctor's clinic here in Pai (she's a TCM and western medicine doctor). It translates to "Good health can't be bought. If you want it, you need to create it yourself."
Those basic lifestyle choices are so so so underrated. I love how you outline them so beautifully every time. I always take something away from your work! Thank you, Dana.
How cool to know you have a doctor like that in Pai - and what a great saying to have in a doctor’s office.
Thank you so much for your generous words and for being here, Kaitlyn. ❤️
Interesting as always, Dana. Thank you. I appreciate your training and the quality of your presentation here. You are knowledgeable, fun to read, and always give a nice nudge to keep up the healthy habits. I enjoy your page very much.
Aww... your comment made my evening, Patty. Thank you. ❤️
Seriously simple things we can do to nurture eye health... thanks for sharing this 'eye opening' post :-).
Thanks so much for being here, Melissa!
Lovely post you share so much wisdom ❤️
Thank you, Lucy. Big hearts to you. ❤️
Thank you for the information and good ideas for eye and overall health.
I had better than 20/20 vision in both eyes until I worked an accounting job in a dark cubicle. It was the late 80's and we had not yet learned how to properly filter light from scanning video screens. In just 6 months, I went to 20/80 and 20/100. Since then, things have barely changed. I did start to lose near-field vision acuity after age 40--as many people do. So, now I wear progressives. I do find that a rewilding practice I learned from one of my mentors, to walk slowly, and barefoot through the woods helps my health, especially my eyes. I often do this without my glasses. It improves my eye-dexterity [is that a thing?] near-field focus and ability to scan the horizon, even if things are a bit fuzzy. It works. Thanks again. I appreciate you.
Oh wow, John - what a dramatic shift and a powerful illustration of the impact screen time can have. Your rewilding practice sounds absolutely amazing and aligns beautifully with what Chinese Medicine might recommend for supporting the eyes and overall health, including mental health and the free flow of emotions. I appreciate you being here and sharing!