TCM relates certain areas of the eye to specific Zang:
(a) | The canthus and the sclera close to the canthus relate to the Heart. | |
(i) | Redness in this area may be a sign of Heat present in the Heart. | |
(ii) | A pale canthus suggests Blood deficiency. | |
(b) | The sclera relates to the Lung. | |
(i) | A yellow sclera is an indication of the presence of Damp-Heat in the interior. | |
(ii) | A very white sclera can indicate the presence of Cold. | |
(c) | The pupil relates to the Kidneys. Dilated pupils with blurred vision indicate Kidney deficiency. |
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(d) | The iris relates to the Liver. | |
(e) | The upper and lower eyelids relate to the Spleen. Inflamed eyelids may indicate the presence of Heat in the Spleen. |
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(f) | If the entire eye is red, it may indicate Wind-Heat affecting the Liver. | |
(g) | Dark eyelids indicate Kidney deficiency. | |
(h) | Eyes that are deep in the orbit may indicate Jing deficiency. |