What is the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis for keratitis called?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Symptoms occur frequently and are severe, with persistent discomfort such as dryness, foreign body sensation, photophobia, and excessive tearing during daily visual activities. Blurred vision and ocular burning pain may even develop, making simple tasks like reading or viewing screens extremely difficult to complete. Symptoms do not improve with rest and severely disrupt normal daily life. Structural damage to the ocular surface is often present, and long-term, severe dry eye can lead to corneal epithelial defects and corneal inflammation.
In general, keratitis is often categorized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis as "Ju Xing Zhang" (clustered star-like opacity), "Hua Yi Bai Xian" (floral opacity with white depression), or "Ning Zhi Yi" (greasy opacity), with the specific classification depending on symptoms and disease progression. If there are concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
When small, scattered star-shaped corneal opacities appear, accompanied by photophobia, tearing, and blurred vision, with a relatively slow disease progression, this condition mostly corresponds to the category of "Ju Xing Zhang." TCM theory attributes this primarily to external wind-heat pathogens invading the eye or excessive liver fire rising to disturb the eyes. Treatment typically focuses on dispelling wind, clearing heat, clearing the liver, and purging fire.
If corneal opacity appears as a depressed patch with indistinct edges, or yellowish-white greasy secretions develop, accompanied by severe eye pain and sudden vision loss, it mostly corresponds to the categories of "Hua Yi Bai Xian" or "Ning Zhi Yi." In TCM, this is believed to be mainly due to intense heat-toxin consuming and damaging the cornea. The primary treatment approach should focus on clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood, and improving vision.
When symptoms related to keratitis occur, avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent worsening injury; seek timely evaluation at a qualified medical institution for accurate diagnosis in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine, and do not self-treat with folk remedies. During treatment, ensure adequate eye rest, avoid strong light exposure, maintain a light diet, and support eye recovery.
