New York :
212-927-8039/646-449-8392 (Washington Heights: 613 W 169th ST, New York, NY, 10032)
212-228-5688 (Union Square:108 E 16st ST, FL4, New York, NY, 10003)
646-998-4886 ( Upper East Side: 418 east, 71st street, FL 2, New York,NY, 10021)
New Jersey:
201-408-5633 (214 Engle Street, G2, Englewood, NJ, 07631)
NEW: 718-229-4688 ( Bayside: 200-14 44th Ave, FL 2, Bayside, NY, 11361)
NEW: 646-438-9255 (Columbus Circle: 426 W 58th ST, New York, NY, 10019)
COMING SOON: Call any office number (156 Williams St #801, New York, NY, 10038)
Ophthalmology in TCM
Clinics
The treatment of ophthalmologic diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique specialty. In the TCM approach, there are internal and external factors that cause eye diseases, and each part of the eye is associated with an internal organ:
The internal cause of ophthalmologic diseases is the dysfunction of organs. The liver is the primary organ relating to the eyes in Chinese medicine. Many eye diseases are related to the health of the liver organ system.
External factors like wind, coldness, dampness, dryness, heat, and fire cause Qi (energy) and blood stagnation or deficiencies, which cause dysfunction in the eyes.
Some common diagnoses for eye diseases in TMC approach:
1. Liver blood deficiency: may cause blurry vision, myopia, floaters in the eyes, color blindness or dry eyes
2. Fire in the liver: the eyes are likely to be dry, bloodshot, painful, or have a burning sensation
3. Wind in the liver: may cause the eyeball to turn upwards and move involuntarily (nystagmus)
Treatable common conditions
-
Refractive errors: nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia
-
Cataracts
-
Glaucoma
-
Diabetic retinopathy
-
Age-related macular degeneration
-
Dry AMD or wet AMD
-
Retinitis pigmentosa
-
Xerophthalmia
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are series of optical defects by which the light cannot be focused properly on retina. Nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) are common symptoms of refractive errors in the United States.
In TCM theory, the major reason of refractive errors is Qi and blood deficiency in and surrounding the area of eyes, which derives from overuse of eyes, reading under insufficient light, malfunction of the inner organs especially the liver, and aging.
Acupuncture is widely practiced to strengthen eye contract function by supplying of Qi and blood in the local eye area.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision; it can affect one or both eyes. (See below) Cataracts are most commonly due to aging, but may also occur from trauma, radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems.
Numerous treatment cases in Asia, Europe and USA confirm that acupuncture associated with oriental herbs is an impressive method to prevent and mitigate the symptoms of cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the eye's optic nerve and worsens over time. It is often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye.
Chinese herbs and acupuncture can improve the fluid circulation of the eye, reduce intraocular pressure, and relive pain.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy can affect almost anyone with diabetes. In general, the longer someone has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms include blurriness, floaters, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors, and in severe cases, blindness.
In TCM, there are preventive steps that can be taken to reduce the severity of this condition, especially for someone already diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, Chinese herbs and acupuncture can control blood sugar levels and improve circulation in the eyes, increasing blood circulation and preventing the deterioration and leakage of blood into the eye.
