Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Cure Floaters? Expert Insights

Q: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Cure Floaters? Expert Insights

Dear Anonymous / 24 years old / Male User：<br>Hello, "floaters" refer to the shadowy objects that you see floating in your field of vision when your eyes are open. <br>These objects can appear in various shapes, such as dots, lines, or webs, and may appear singly or in groups. <b

Floaters issue?

Hello Dr.
Lin: I would like to ask if vitreous floaters can be completely cured through traditional Chinese medicine? I read online that it can be cured.
Also, can excessive masturbation cause vitreous floaters, or could it lead to other issues? Thank you for your response.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/01

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Anonymous / 24 years old / Male User:
Hello, "floaters" refer to the shadowy objects that you see floating in your field of vision when your eyes are open.
These objects can appear in various shapes, such as dots, lines, or webs, and may appear singly or in groups.
They float in the vitreous body and move as your eyeball rotates, resembling mosquitoes dancing in front of your eyes, hence the name "floaters." This is a common symptom among eye disorders, particularly prevalent in individuals over 40 years old, as well as in those with high myopia, patients who have undergone cataract surgery, and others with conditions such as intraocular inflammation or retinal vascular diseases, which can also lead to "floaters."
In Western ophthalmology, floaters are categorized into "physiological floaters" and "pathological floaters." Approximately 80% of floaters are formed from the hydration of vitreous fibers and do not require treatment; these are classified as physiological floaters, primarily resulting from residual vitreous.
Pathological floaters often appear suddenly with eye diseases, can change continuously, may worsen or gradually disappear, and can be accompanied by flashes of light, significantly affecting vision.
Most cases arise from intraocular inflammation or hemorrhagic diseases and should be treated actively.
Floaters mainly result from vitreous opacities or retinal detachment, often exacerbated by aging, fatigue, or high myopia.
Both physiological and pathological floaters should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist for differential diagnosis and management.
Pathological floaters, particularly those associated with retinal detachment, may even require laser treatment.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for physiological degenerative floaters.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition is referred to as "clouds and mist obstructing the eyes," and it is believed to be related to "liver and kidney deficiency" or "qi stagnation and blood stasis." Treatment focuses on nourishing the liver and kidneys or promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, potentially combined with acupuncture.
You may consult a qualified licensed TCM practitioner for tailored treatments such as "Qi Ju Di Huang Wan" or "Xiang Gan Ming Mu Tang."
Masturbation should not cause floaters.
Additionally, maintaining good eye habits is essential; ensure your eyes get adequate rest, avoid greasy or overly hot foods, and refrain from prolonged viewing, staying up late, overexertion, and excessive eye strain, as these factors can worsen the symptoms of floaters.
A combination of Western medical examination, diagnosis, and treatment, along with TCM, eye rest, and avoiding excessive use of mobile phones and computers, as well as overexposure to sunlight, should help improve floaters.
In terms of diet, you can prepare herbal teas using chrysanthemum, goji berries, cassia seeds, mint, and summer cypress to help adjust the constitution related to liver and kidney deficiency.
Wishing you well,
Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung, Director of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fengyuan Hospital, Associate Professor at the General Education Center, Chung Tai University of Technology.

Reply Date: 2015/12/01

More Info

Floaters, or "flying mosquitoes" as they are colloquially known in Chinese, are small spots or lines that drift through your field of vision. They are often caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, as we age. While floaters are usually harmless and a common occurrence, they can be bothersome for some individuals. The question of whether Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can cure floaters is a complex one.

From a TCM perspective, floaters may be associated with various underlying conditions, such as liver and kidney deficiencies, or blood stagnation. TCM practitioners often focus on treating the root cause of the symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves. Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments may be recommended to help improve overall eye health and potentially reduce the occurrence of floaters.

However, it is essential to note that while some anecdotal evidence and individual cases may suggest that TCM can help alleviate floaters, there is limited scientific research to support the claim that TCM can "cure" floaters completely. Most medical professionals, including those in Western medicine, agree that floaters are typically a benign condition that does not require treatment unless they significantly impair vision or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters, which could indicate a more serious issue like retinal detachment.

Regarding the question of whether excessive masturbation can cause floaters, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Floaters are primarily related to changes in the vitreous humor and are not linked to sexual activity. However, excessive strain on the eyes, such as prolonged screen time or poor lighting conditions, can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort, which may make floaters more noticeable. It is crucial to maintain good eye health through regular eye exams, proper lighting, and taking breaks from screens.

In summary, while TCM may offer some benefits for overall eye health and potentially reduce the perception of floaters, it is unlikely to provide a definitive cure. Individuals experiencing bothersome floaters should consult with an eye care professional to rule out any underlying conditions and discuss appropriate management strategies. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated, and protecting the eyes from excessive strain, can contribute to better eye health overall.

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