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Author︰Shen Yaozi
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The five zang-organs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) each have "openings" on the body surface, which are closely connected to the corresponding internal organs. These openings can serve as observation windows to "see through" the functional strength of the internal organs from the outside, much like how the depth of a well can indicate the level of groundwater. Lingshu-Maidu states, "Liver qi connects to the eyes, and when the liver is harmonious, the eyes can distinguish the five colors." Suwen-Wucang Shengcheng also mentions, "The liver receives blood and enables vision." Modern medicine has discovered that there are indeed many connections between the liver and the eyes:

  • The liver is the main storage site for vitamin A, accounting for 95% of the body's total. Vitamin A, activated by the liver, is an essential nutrient for the retina.
  • The normal functioning of the retina requires a large amount of zinc. The liver is the primary organ for zinc metabolism, and liver disease can disrupt zinc metabolism, affecting vision.
  • Some scholars observed 100 cases of viral hepatitis and found that the incidence of eye symptoms and signs reached 59%, changing with liver function.
  • Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other conditions can all lead to eye diseases, such as blurred vision, poor dark adaptation, visual fatigue, eye pain, dry eyes, double vision, conjunctival vascular dilation, yellowing of the sclera, and reduced corneal sensitivity.
  • The opening and closing of the eyelids and the size of the pupils are controlled by nerves, which are also part of liver qi.
In summary, the eyes not only serve as the windows to the soul but can also reflect the strength or weakness of liver function. However, this does not mean that eye diseases are necessarily caused by liver problems. Clinical diagnosis should be based on a comprehensive analysis of various evidence.

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