Is eye dryness with eye discharge a sign of excessive liver fire?

Jun 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I always feel that my eyes are particularly dry after getting up in the morning, and this is accompanied by eye discharge. I would like to know whether dry eyes with eye discharge indicates excessive liver heat (liver fire).

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Liver fire excess may cause symptoms such as dry eyes and increased eye discharge. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that "the liver opens into the eyes." Excess liver fire can lead to heat in the upper part of the body, manifesting as dryness and irritation in the eyes, along with increased secretions. Dry eyes with eye discharge may also be caused by other factors, such as environmental conditions (e.g., prolonged computer use or exposure to dry environments), medication side effects, ocular diseases (e.g., dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis), or systemic illnesses. When experiencing symptoms of dry eyes and eye discharge, one should consider accompanying signs for proper assessment—for example, whether these symptoms occur together with typical manifestations of liver fire excess such as irritability, bitterness in the mouth, dryness of the throat, dizziness, or headaches. If necessary, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice for a thorough examination and diagnosis by a qualified physician.