This article is adapted from the clinical insights of Dr. Yu-Yen Lin (TCM Ophthalmology). It is for educational purposes only and does not replace in-person evaluation or treatment by qualified medical professionals.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters, known in Western medicine as small dark or shadowy shapes drifting across one’s field of vision, are often linked to aging or changes in the vitreous body of the eye.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we call this condition “Yun Wu Yi Jing” (雲霧移睛). However, floaters are seen as more than a local eye problem—they are a sign of internal imbalance, often involving the Liver, Kidney, and Blood circulation systems.
When the body’s energy (Qi) and Blood become stagnant, or when the Liver and Kidney Yin are deficient, the eye loses nourishment, leading to clouded or shadowed vision.
Thus, the key to treatment lies in restoring harmony within the body rather than merely addressing the symptom in the eye.
When to Take Eye Floaters Seriously
The most important thing to be aware of is pathological eye floaters, which can signal serious underlying eye conditions. In some cases, floaters result from a retinal tear or small hemorrhage in the back of the eye, causing cloudiness in the vitreous. They can also occur when the retina is pulled or partially detached, leading to a retinal hole.
In more severe situations, floaters may be associated with glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinal hemorrhage, or other critical eye diseases. Systemic conditions such as diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, eye stroke, or macular degeneration can also cause acute retinal damage and, if untreated, may lead to vision loss.
Because Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not use diagnostic instruments like those in ophthalmology, it is essential to have a comprehensive eye examination with pupil dilation performed by an ophthalmologist to rule out these possibilities before beginning TCM treatment.
Other Common Types of Floaters
Some floaters appear as tiny transparent or amoeba-like shapes that move across the visual field, especially in bright environments or against light-colored backgrounds. This is often a harmless visual effect known as Scheerer’s phenomenon, where white blood cells become visible as they flow through the tiny capillaries of the retina, momentarily blocking light and forming small bright spots or thread-like shapes.
Another common cause is vitreous degeneration. The vitreous body — a clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye — is made up of about 99% water and 1% collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid. Over time, or due to factors such as high myopia, dehydration, or aging, the gel may liquefy or develop separations within it. This process can create strand-like or web-like floaters that move when the eyes shift.
The Root Causes Behind the Shadows
From a TCM diagnostic view, floaters may arise from several internal disharmonies:
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Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency — Insufficient nourishment to the eyes, leading to dryness and blurred vision.
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Qi and Blood Stagnation — Poor circulation causes obstruction of clear vision and the appearance of moving spots.
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Spleen Weakness or Dampness — Overthinking, stress, and poor digestion create internal dampness that blurs the eyes.
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Emotional Stress — Anger, worry, or chronic tension stagnates Liver Qi, affecting both blood flow and eye vitality.
Because multiple patterns may overlap in a person, it’s essential to see a professional TCM practitioner for accurate differentiation.
Treatment: Balancing Internal Energy to Clear the Vision
In my clinical approach, treating eye floaters begins with individualized pattern differentiation (辨證論治)—understanding the patient’s constitution, emotional state, and underlying organ imbalance.
Common therapeutic strategies include:
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Herbal Formulas to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, move Qi and Blood, and clear heat or phlegm.
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Acupuncture and Meridian Regulation to enhance circulation to the eyes and harmonize systemic energy flow.
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Eye Area Relief Therapy to warm and activate meridians around the head and eyes.
Unlike symptom-focused medicine, TCM focuses on restoring the body’s self-healing mechanism, allowing vision to clear naturally as internal balance is rebuilt.
Integrating Mind-Body Practices
I always emphasizes that true healing also requires mental stillness and emotional regulation.
Practices such as mindful breathing, meditative sitting, and gentle Qi-guided exercises help calm the nervous system, enhance Qi flow, and prevent “spirit dispersion” (耗神)—a common but overlooked cause of chronic eye strain and visual fatigue.
Through “守神” (guarding the spirit), patients learn to center awareness, restore calm, and reconnect with their inner light.
This harmony between body, mind, and vision represents the essence of holistic eye care in TCM.
Clinical Reflections
My experience with eye floaters shows that many cases improve gradually when patients commit to both internal balance and emotional regulation.
Some experience clearer vision, reduced floater density, or brighter perception as Qi and Blood circulation improves.
The process is not about instant cure, but about restoring vitality and preventing further decline through consistent care and self-awareness.
A Gentle Reminder
Every individual’s condition is unique. The above discussion offers general insight and should not replace professional medical consultation.
If you have persistent or worsening visual symptoms, it’s important to seek evaluation from both TCM and ophthalmology specialists for a comprehensive understanding.
Lifestyle Habits & Eye-Use Recommendations
Managing floaters also entails improving lifestyle and daily eye-use habits. Consider the following:
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Avoid prolonged near-work without breaks. Use the “25 minutes work / 5 minutes rest” rule.
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Keep indoor lighting adequate and stable (no flicker).
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Maintain a comfortable reading distance (≈ 30 cm or more), avoid bending the head too far.
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When outside, protect eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays with sunglasses or a hat.
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Prioritize sleep (ideally before 11 p.m.), refrain from late-night work or heavy screen usage.
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Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, extreme emotions, and overly raw/cold or spicy/roasted food.
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Continue regular ophthalmology follow-up and do not arbitrarily stop western-medical advice.
Learn More
For more information about Dr. Lin’s holistic approach to eye health—including TCM perspectives on retinal diseases, dry eyes, and vision preservation—visit:
👉 Dr. Lin’s Eye Health Blog
Closing Thought
In TCM, the eyes are not only the “windows of the Liver,” but also mirrors of the spirit (神光).
Healing the eyes means restoring harmony within, allowing one to see both the world and oneself with renewed clarity.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for a personal medical evaluation or treatment plan by a qualified healthcare provider.
