Staring at phones, computers, and tablets from morning till night has become almost a daily routine. Dry eyes, eye strain, floaters, and even decreased vision are no longer just problems for the elderly. How can we restore clarity and focus? Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Zhang Cuiwen offers a solution: addressing the liver and kidneys to help both the body and the eyes regain balance.
Gen Eye TCM is one of the few clinics in Singapore dedicated to Traditional Chinese Medicine ophthalmology. In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Dr. Zhang Cuiwen explained that the uniqueness of Traditional Chinese Medicine ophthalmology lies in its holistic approach—focusing not only on eye symptoms but also on the internal organs, qi and blood, and emotions to identify the root cause of the problem.
Excessive staring damages the liver, kidneys, and mind.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, "the liver opens to the eyes," and eye health is closely linked to liver and blood. Dr. Zhang Cuiwen explains that staring at electronic screens for extended periods can lead to "long-term visual damage to the blood," meaning excessive eye strain can disrupt qi and blood circulation, leading to liver and blood deficiency. Deficiency in liver blood often results in dry eyes, blurred vision, and increased fatigue. She further added that the liver and kidneys share a common origin, and "prolonged viewing can damage kidney essence, which in turn is converted into liver blood." Over time, not only can eyes become fatigued, but even the mind can be affected—this is what's known as "long-term viewing damaging the mind." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the eyes are the "windows to the soul," and excessive use of the eyes can lead to lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and even insomnia and forgetfulness.
