National Standard Code
BWO
GB/T 15657-2021
Category
Ophthalmological diseases and symptoms

Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition

In traditional Chinese medicine, "eye fatigue" is known as visual fatigue, which falls under the category of ophthalmic diseases. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," visual fatigue refers to a disease caused by prolonged visual strain, mental fatigue, and deficiencies in the liver and kidney, leading to malnutrition of the ocular orifices, fatigue of the ocular muscles, and symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, and more.

In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of visual fatigue is the deficiency of the liver and kidney, resulting in malnutrition of the ocular orifices. Common triggers include long-term eye strain, high work pressure, irregular lifestyle, and more. During the process of differentiation, it is necessary to pay attention to the following key points: the main symptoms of the deficiency of liver blood are dry eyes, blurred vision, and dizziness; while the typical manifestations of the deficiency of liver and kidney yin include dry eyes with aversion to light, unclear vision, and lumbar ache. The overall direction of treatment suggests that in clinical practice, the treatment of visual fatigue often starts with nourishing the liver and kidney, and nourishing the blood and improving vision to adjust the deficiency of the liver and kidney, and restore the nourishment of the ocular orifices. By adjusting lifestyle, improving the eye-straining environment, and having a reasonable diet, combined with internal administration of traditional Chinese medicine and external treatment, the aim is to alleviate symptoms and improve vision.

Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation

Insufficient Liver Blood Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness

Management Approach: Nourish the Liver and Blood, Brighten and Moisturize the Eyes

Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Dry eyes, photophobia, blurred vision, and lower back pain

Management Approach: Tonify the Liver and Kidneys, Benefit the Essence and Brighten the Eyes

The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.

Physician's Clinical Insights

Patients with visual fatigue often experience visual fatigue. In clinical treatment, it is important to focus on nourishing the liver and kidney to alleviate visual fatigue.

— Chen Yan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Reviewed by: Chen Yan (Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner) | 2026-07-08 | Version 2

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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.

This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.

References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)

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