WFU

2025/10/1

A Light in the Night — How TCM Supports Retinal Degenerative Diseases

The following article is adapted from the clinical insights of Dr. Yu-Yen Lin, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ophthalmologist. It is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical consultation. Patient names have been changed to protect privacy.




A Patient’s Story

Joan, a 27-year-old woman, was recently diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
After reading online that there is currently no definitive cure, she became anxious and discouraged.
She came to my clinic seeking a glimmer of hope.

Joan: “I heard that night blindness will eventually lead to total blindness. I’m so afraid that day will come. Can TCM help me?”
Dr. Lin: “Currently there is no cure for hereditary night blindness. What TCM can do is aim to support eye health and slow the progression. Some patients report that their sense of brightness and clarity improves during treatment. By nourishing the body and addressing underlying imbalances, we hope to delay further degeneration.”