Our body functions deteriorate with age, and that could mean the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens in the eyes, which is exactly what's happening to my dad. At times, he would have to put things at a distance to see clearly; put closer and everything becomes blurred. Sometimes he even needs to rely on the magnifying glass. These are the symptoms of presbyopia, a condition that occurs with age – usually after 40 to 45 years of age – and the causes of which are related to age, physique, gender, work nature and the level of anisometropia.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the ageing of eyesight is related to the weakened qi in the liver and kidney.

Eyes as the Window for the Liver

In the Suwen chapter on the harmony between men and nature, "The qi of the East in spring corresponds to the colour green and homes in the liver; its aperture is the eyes and its essence is stored in the liver." elaborated on how the eyes are the liver's window to the outside world. The nutrients absorbed by the liver, therefore, are transported to the eyes for nourishment and maintenance.

With Blood in the Liver, the Eyes Can See

The major function of the liver is to store blood and adjust the amount of blood storage. With the qi of the five viscera and six bowels depended on the eyes, and the eyes being the liver's window to the outside world, a liver rich in blood is crucial to the general well-being of the body. Which explains the "With blood in the liver, the eyes can see." in the Suwen chapter on the birth of the five viscera, and Precious Book of Ophthalmology's further explanation on how the blood in the liver is the blood that sustains the function of the body.

When a Healthy Kidney Equals Healthy Eyesight

Energy in the body is the fundamental element of life. With nourishment of energy in the five viscera and six bowels, the eyes can see. The Elementary Questions chapter of Suwen has elaborated on the kidney being responsible for the storage of water and qi, and that the well-being of the five viscera and six bowels equal the well-being of kidney. Put it in another way, there's an inextricable relationship between the wellness of eyes and the amount of qi and energy in the five viscera and six bowels.

From the Brain to the Eyes

According to The Inner Canon of Huangdi, the kidney is responsible for the storage of qi, and the qi can enrich the spine and brain, and consequentially the eyes, which are linked to the brain. A vigorous kidney therefore means healthy spine, clear thinking and great eyesight. Correcting the Errors in the Forest of Medicine further developed the theory by suggesting that sufficient nutrition in the kidney ensures proper functioning of the brain, and hence the eyes, which directs messages back to the brain. And in so saying, the argument evidently proved the closely knitted relationship between the eyes and the brain.

There, in so many words, we have proved the correlation between eyesight and qi in the liver and kidney. As the qi in the liver and kidney decreases with age, so do the qi and blood transported to the eyes, resulting in negative changes in the crystalline lens, decreased eyesight and blurred vision.

Here are some recipes that could help you maintain the well-being of the eyes (it's recommended to consult your family Chinese medical practitioner before consumption):

Soup of Nourishment for the Eyes and Liver

Ingredients: 15g of wolfberry, 15g of Chinese privet, 10g of dried longan meat, 100g of lean pork, 750ml of water
Method: Wash all ingredients and pour into a pot. Add 750ml water and heat until boil. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes and serve.
Effects: Nourishes the liver, kidney, blood and eyesight.

Black Bean, Blighted Wheat and Snakehead Fish Soup

Ingredients: 15g of black bean, 15g of blighted wheat, one piece of snakehead fish, ginger and spring onion, 750ml of water
Method: Wash all ingredients and pour into a pot. Add 750ml water and heat until boil. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes and serve.
Effects: Nourishes the blood, strengthens the spleen, improves eyesight, rejuvenates the kidney

Presbyopia may be a common eye disease, but appropriate amount of care can delay its onset and lessen its level of ageing. Here are some eye care tips:
1.    Blink and roll your eyes up and down, left and right, as blinking can train the eye muscle and delay its ageing process.
2.    Maintain a proper posture and leave a 30cm distance between the eyes and the book when reading.
3.    Refrain from reading or playing video games when commuting, walking, or in bed.
4.    Don't overwork your eyes and be sure to rest them sufficiently.
5.    Keep a routine of physical training.

You may want to care for your eyes by doing the eye exercise two to three times a week
(visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvb1kjP2mSY). 


Yim Yiu-kin
Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner
National TCM Practitioner, China
National Senior Beautician, China
National Chiropractor, China
Bachelor in TCM, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Master of Acupuncture, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Doctorate Student of Acupuncture, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine

(This article is the personal opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association or Hong Kong Housing Society.)