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Retinal Vein Occlusion in Chinese Medicine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is caused by stagnation of Qi and blood, deficiency in the liver and kidneys, and the effects of external factors on the meridians. Below are the TCM-based causes, symptoms, and treatments for retinal vein occlusion.

Causes of Retinal Vein Occlusion in TCM:

1. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis:
One of the most common causes of retinal vein occlusion in TCM. TCM believes that stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians can lead to obstruction of blood flow, causing vascular blockages in the eye.
2. Liver and Kidney Deficiency:
The health of the eyes is closely related to the liver and kidney functions. The liver stores blood, and the kidneys manage the body’s fluid metabolism. If the liver and kidneys are weak, insufficient Qi and blood can lead to poor blood flow to the retina, resulting in occlusion.

Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion in TCM:

• Blurred Vision: Patients often experience a sudden decline in vision or blurred vision, typically in one eye.
• Eye Pain and Pressure: Due to blood stasis, patients may feel eye pain, eye pressure, and dryness.
• Dark Spots or Blind Spots: Dark spots or blind areas may appear in the field of vision, with objects appearing unclear or distorted.
• Dizziness and Headache: In TCM, the eyes are closely connected to the liver, and blood stasis often accompanies dizziness and headaches.

TCM Treatments for Retinal Vein Occlusion:

1. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is effective in unblocking meridians and regulating Qi and blood circulation, making it a common treatment for RVO. Frequently used acupuncture points include:

Liver Shu, Kidney Shu, Tai Chong, and Guang Ming: These points help unblock the liver meridian, regulate Qi and blood, and improve microcirculation in the eyes.
Eye-specific Points: Acupuncture on specific points around the eyes promotes retinal blood flow, reducing stasis and retinal swelling.

2. Herbal Medicine:

In TCM, RVO is often associated with blood stasis and liver and kidney deficiency.

Common herbs include:

Blood-activating and stasis-removing herbs: such as Dan Shen (Salvia Root), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) to improve blood circulation and relieve stasis.
Liver and Kidney Nourishing Herbs: Such as Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed) to nourish the liver and kidneys and improve blood flow

3. Massage and Acupressure:

Massaging acupuncture points around the eyes, such as Jingming (UB-1), Sibai (ST-2), Zanzhu (UB-2), and Taiyang (EX-HN5), can help improve blood circulation in the eyes and relieve discomfort.

4. Dietary Therapy:

TCM places great emphasis on food therapy. Proper diet adjustments can help prevent and alleviate retinal vein occlusion.

Foods that Nourish the Liver and Improve Blood Flow: Goji berries, black beans, mulberries, and walnuts can nourish the liver and kidneys.
Foods that Clear Heat and Detoxify: Bitter melon, mung beans, and lotus seeds can help clear heat, detoxify, and improve blood circulation.

Preventive Measures:
Regulate Qi and Blood Flow: Maintaining smooth Qi and blood flow is key to preventing RVO. Regular exercise and managing emotions can help regulate Qi and blood.
Liver and Kidney Care: Since the eyes are closely related to the liver and kidneys, avoiding overwork, ensuring sufficient sleep, and protecting liver and kidney function can help prevent eye diseases

TCM focuses on holistic regulation and emphasizes the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other methods to improve the body’s internal environment and treat eye diseases effectively

Dr. May Huang has developed a specialized technique for treating retinal vein occlusion, which she has successfully used for many years. With her treatment, patients often experience noticeable improvement within just four sessions. This is truly exciting news for those suffering from this condition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective and Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry eye syndrome is primarily attributed to liver and kidney yin deficiency, qi and blood deficiency, internal damp heat, or wind-heat invasion. TCM believes that the health of the eyes is closely related to the functions of the liver and kidneys, as “the liver opens to the eyes,” and kidney essence nourishes the eyes. Dry eye syndrome often results from yin deficiency with internal heat, where the liver and kidney yin fluids are insufficient to sustain the eyes. Additionally, a weak spleen and stomach, leading to inadequate production of qi and blood, can also affect the nourishment of the eyes, causing dryness and discomfort.

Treatment Methods:

1. Nourishing Yin and Moistening the Eyes: For cases of liver and kidney yin deficiency, TCM commonly uses herbal formulas that nourish yin and blood, such as Qi Ju Di Huang Wan and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, to strengthen the liver and kidneys and moisten the eyes.

2. Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire: If dry eye syndrome is accompanied by symptoms like eye redness and pain, which may be due to wind-heat invasion or liver fire flaring up, TCM may employ herbs that clear heat and detoxify, such as Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, to alleviate these symptoms.

3. Tonifying Qi and Nourishing Blood: For dry eye caused by qi and blood deficiency, TCM often uses formulas like Gui Pi Tang or Ba Zhen Tang to replenish qi and blood, enhance vitality, and improve eye health.

4. Acupuncture Therapy:
Acupuncture is a common TCM treatment for dry-eye syndrome. By stimulating specific acupoints, such as Zan Zhu, Cheng Qi, and Feng Chi, acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and blood around the eyes and relieve symptoms.

5. Warm Compresses and Eye Massage: TCM also emphasizes using warm compresses and eye acupoint massage, such as Jing Ming and Si Bai, to promote blood circulation around the eyes, increase tear secretion, and alleviate dryness.

TCM treatment for dry eye syndrome focuses on holistic regulation, addressing both symptoms and the underlying imbalances within the body.

Be cautious! The risks associated with high myopia are significant!

Eyeball elongation, specifically the increase in axial length, is a key characteristic of high myopia. Normally, the shape of the eyeball is close to spherical, but in patients with high myopia, the anterior-posterior diameter (axial length) is longer than normal. This elongation can lead to a series of problems, including:

1. Retinal Stretching

The elongation of the eye causes the retina to become thinner and more stretched, making it more susceptible to tears and detachment.

2. Scleral Thinning

The elongation of the eye also causes the sclera to thin, especially at the posterior pole of the eye, increasing the risk of posterior staphyloma.

3. Macular Damage

The elongation of the eyeball places additional stress on the macular region, potentially leading to macular degeneration or macular holes.

4. Optic Nerve Compression

Due to the excessive axial length, the optic nerve and surrounding blood vessels may be compressed, increasing the risk of glaucoma.

5. Vitreous Liquefaction

The elongation of the eyeball can also affect the structure of the vitreous body, making it more susceptible to liquefaction and degenerative changes, leading to floaters and other issues.

In summary, the elongation of the eyeball plays a crucial role in high myopia and is the primary mechanism behind these complications. Regular eye examinations and early intervention are essential for preventing and managing these conditions. Early acupuncture intervention can prevent the progression of myopia, thereby avoiding the occurrence of these complications.

What are the Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Treating Ophthalmic Diseases?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers unique benefits in treating ophthalmic diseases through a holistic and natural approach:

1. Holistic Regulation: TCM emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the eyes as closely connected with the internal organs. By regulating the body’s functions and improving the health of the organs, it effectively treats eye disease. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the liver is closely connected to eye health. If a patient experiences symptoms like dry eyes or blurred vision, TCM might focus on improving liver function to address these eye issues. This holistic approach not only relieves eye discomfort but also enhances the patient’s overall health. Additionally, some patients may experience vision decline due to emotional instability and frequent anger, which TCM associates with liver dysfunction. Since excessive emotions can harm liver qi and impair vision, balancing liver function and emotions becomes essential in TCM treatment

2. Prevention-Oriented: TCM focuses on prevention by regulating the internal organs and strengthening the body’s defenses. This approach can help intervene in the early stages of disease or even before it occurs, reducing the incidence and recurrence of eye diseases.

3. Natural Therapies: TCM often employs natural therapies such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, and dietary therapy. These methods have fewer side effects and are suitable for long-term management, particularly beneficial for patients with chronic eye conditions.

These advantages make TCM an effective option, particularly for chronic and difficult-to-treat ophthalmic conditions.

How Does Acupuncture improve Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)?

Acupuncture can help improve Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) through several mechanisms:

1. Improving Blood Circulation

Enhancing Local Blood Flow:
Acupuncture stimulates specific points to promote blood circulation in the eye and surrounding tissues. This increased blood flow can reduce oxygen deprivation and swelling in the retina.

Breaking Up Blood Clots:
Acupuncture can help dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow, reducing the blockage in the veins.

2. Regulating Immune Function

Boosting Immunity:
By regulating the immune system, acupuncture can enhance the body’s ability to resist inflammation and infection, reducing blood vessel damage caused by inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the retina and surrounding tissues, minimizing damage and swelling.

3. Nerve Regulation

Reducing Stress and Tension:
Acupuncture can help relax the autonomic nervous system, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure, which improves overall blood circulation.

Improving Optic Nerve Function:
Stimulating certain acupuncture points can enhance the function of the optic nerve, aiding in vision recovery.

4. Overall Body Regulation

Holistic Approach:
Acupuncture not only targets the eye but also involves overall body regulation. It balances the body’s internal systems, enhancing overall health and indirectly improving eye conditions.

Individualized Treatment:
Acupuncturists tailor treatment plans based on the patient’s specific condition, selecting different points and techniques to achieve the best results.

In conclusion, acupuncture offers a multifaceted approach to improving Retinal Vein Occlusion by enhancing blood circulation, regulating immune function, reducing stress, and promoting overall body balance. Each treatment is customized to the patient’s unique needs, providing a holistic and effective alternative therapy for managing RVO.

Are you interested in trying acupuncture for your eye condition? Please give our acupuncturist, May Huang, a call at 416-455-0351. She will be happy to answer any questions you may have.