Eye Floaters and TCM — Dr. Lin’s Holistic View

This article is adapted from the clinical insights of Dr. Yu-Yen Lin (TCM Ophthalmology). It is for educational purposes only and does not replace in-person evaluation or treatment by qualified medical professionals.

 

 

What Are Eye Floaters?

 

Eye floaters, known in Western medicine as small dark or shadowy shapes drifting across one’s field of vision, are often linked to aging or changes in the vitreous body of the eye.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we call this condition “Yun Wu Yi Jing” (雲霧移睛). However, floaters are seen as more than a local eye problem—they are a sign of internal imbalance, often involving the Liver, Kidney, and Blood circulation systems.

 

When the body’s energy (Qi) and Blood become stagnant, or when the Liver and Kidney Yin are deficient, the eye loses nourishment, leading to clouded or shadowed vision.
Thus, the key to treatment lies in restoring harmony within the body rather than merely addressing the symptom in the eye. 

 

 

When to Take Eye Floaters Seriously

The most important thing to be aware of is pathological eye floaters, which can signal serious underlying eye conditions. In some cases, floaters result from a retinal tear or small hemorrhage in the back of the eye, causing cloudiness in the vitreous. They can also occur when the retina is pulled or partially detached, leading to a retinal hole.

In more severe situations, floaters may be associated with glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinal hemorrhage, or other critical eye diseases. Systemic conditions such as diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, eye stroke, or macular degeneration can also cause acute retinal damage and, if untreated, may lead to vision loss.

Because Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not use diagnostic instruments like those in ophthalmology, it is essential to have a comprehensive eye examination with pupil dilation performed by an ophthalmologist to rule out these possibilities before beginning TCM treatment.

 

 

Other Common Types of Floaters

 

Some floaters appear as tiny transparent or amoeba-like shapes that move across the visual field, especially in bright environments or against light-colored backgrounds. This is often a harmless visual effect known as Scheerer’s phenomenon, where white blood cells become visible as they flow through the tiny capillaries of the retina, momentarily blocking light and forming small bright spots or thread-like shapes.

 

Another common cause is vitreous degeneration. The vitreous body — a clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye — is made up of about 99% water and 1% collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid. Over time, or due to factors such as high myopia, dehydration, or aging, the gel may liquefy or develop separations within it. This process can create strand-like or web-like floaters that move when the eyes shift.

 

 

 

The Root Causes Behind the Shadows

 

From a TCM diagnostic view, floaters may arise from several internal disharmonies:

 

• Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency — Insufficient nourishment to the eyes, leading to dryness and blurred vision.

• Qi and Blood Stagnation — Poor circulation causes obstruction of clear vision and the appearance of moving spots.

• Spleen Weakness or Dampness — Overthinking, stress, and poor digestion create internal dampness that blurs the eyes.

• Emotional Stress — Anger, worry, or chronic tension stagnates Liver Qi, affecting both blood flow and eye vitality.

Because multiple patterns may overlap in a person, it’s essential to see a professional TCM practitioner for accurate differentiation.