The eye functions much like a camera. Light rays enter the eye, passing through the cornea, the aqueous humor -- transparent fluid in the front of the eye -- and then the pupil and into the lens. The lens bends the light rays to focus objects onto the retina lining the back of the eye. From there, the image passes through the retinal cells, into the optic nerve, and finally to the back of the brain which process the images. Cataracts occur when there is a buildup of protein in the lens that makes it cloudy. This prevents light from passing clearly through the lens, causing some loss of vision. Since new lens cells form on the outside of the lens, all the older cells are compacted into the center of the lens resulting in the cataract.
Four therapeutic methods for cataract in TCM
Syndrome of Deficiency of Liver and Kidney Yin
Therapeutic Method: Nourishing the liver and kidney to improve eyesight.
Syndrome of Spleen Asthenia and Qi Deficiency
Therapeutic Methods: Invigorating spleen and replenishing qi.
Syndrome of Ocular Invasion by Liver Heat
Therapeutic Methods: Removing heat and calming liver.
Syndrome of Yin Deficiency with Damp-heat
Therapeutic Methods: Nourishing yin to removing heat and relieving epigastric distension to dispel pathogenic damp.