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: “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.”
Understanding Night Blindness and Retinal Degeneration
- Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): a progressive hereditary retinal disease. In Taiwan, prevalence is estimated at 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 8,000.
- Cone Dystrophies: rare genetic disorders, onset ranges from childhood to adulthood.
- Best’s Macular Dystrophy: often begins in children or adolescents.
- Stargardt’s Disease: typically presents with central vision loss but also involves degenerative changes in the retina.
- Other eye conditions that may reduce night vision.
Early signs often include difficulty seeing in low-light environments. As the disease progresses, patients may develop “tunnel vision” due to narrowing of the visual field.
Although the eyes may appear normal on the surface, retinal examination often reveals pigment loss and optic nerve atrophy.
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| Fundus photography of (A) a normal eye and (B) a person with retinitis pigmentosa. (C) A simulated image of the visual field of a normal person and (D) the visual field seen by a person with night blindness. |
TCM’s Perspective on Night Blindness
Excessive Consumption Type
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Physically strong but prone to fatigue, night sweats, or heat sensation.
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May have dry mouth, poor sleep.
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Treatment focuses on nourishing while addressing internal “heat.”
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Damp-Phlegm Obstruction Type
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Often feels heavy and sluggish, with poor appetite and bloating.
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May have greasy tongue coating and loose stools.
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Therapy aims to strengthen the spleen and promote fluid metabolism, so that nourishment can be absorbed.
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Essence-Blood Deficiency Type
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Often fatigued, with dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, and weakness in the lower back and knees.
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Treatment emphasizes strengthening essence and blood.
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In fragile patients, additional care is needed to ensure tonics are well-received and do not cause overstimulation.
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Treatment is individualized.
Many patients report subjective improvements such as better clarity or brightness, but TCM does not claim to cure these conditions.
Rather, the goal is to optimize systemic balance to support the eyes.
Lifestyle and Self-Care Recommendations
Long-term eye health is not just about medicine — daily habits play a crucial role:
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Maintain Cardiovascular Health:
Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids reduces risk of microvascular damage that may worsen retinal degeneration. -
Prioritize Rest and Sleep:
Adequate rest supports the eyes and nervous system. Late nights and shift work can accelerate depletion of qi and blood. -
Moderate Exercise:
Early-stage patients often benefit from physical activity to improve circulation.
In advanced stages, choose low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, or stretching to avoid fatigue. -
Balanced Nutrition:
Include foods rich in vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants (e.g., carrots, tomatoes, dark-green leafy vegetables, berries, goji berries).
Research suggests that moderate supplementation of vitamin A (up to 15,000 IU) may slow degeneration in some patients. -
Protect the Eyes:
Wear sunglasses and hats outdoors to reduce UV exposure.
Limit prolonged exposure to intense blue light from screens.
Integrating TCM with Modern Ophthalmology
Long-term management of retinal degenerative diseases often benefits from an integrative approach.
In my clinic, we combine herbal medicine, acupuncture, and individualized care with regular ophthalmic evaluations such as retinal imaging.
Western diagnostic tools provide valuable references to monitor changes and guide adjustments in treatment.
Equally important is psychological well-being.
Chronic eye conditions can lead to anxiety, fear, or frustration.
Addressing these emotions through emotional support, guided breathing, meditation, or gentle mindfulness practices can help patients reduce stress and sustain motivation during long-term treatment.
Simple daily practices — such as quiet sitting for a few minutes, mindful breathing to relax the body and calm the mind, or gentle visualization to focus on light and clarity — can complement medical therapies.
These methods do not replace clinical treatment but can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, improve sleep, and support overall healing.
By combining modern medical monitoring with TCM therapies and mind–body self-care, we aim to help patients preserve vision, maintain resilience, and improve their quality of life.
A Note of Encouragement
A diagnosis like RP or Stargardt’s disease can feel overwhelming.
However, with informed lifestyle choices, ongoing supportive care, and early planning for adaptive tools and resources, many patients continue to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Read More & Get in Touch
For further information on how TCM can support patients with retinal degenerative diseases, please visit the full article here:
👉 A Light in the Night — TCM Approach to Retinal Degeneration(Traditional Chinese)
If you or your loved one would like personalized advice, you may arrange a consultation through our clinic.
We are committed to integrating traditional wisdom with modern medical insights to help protect your vision.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice. For personalized care, please consult qualified healthcare professionals.
