Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Catarrhal Conjunctivitis

Catarrhal conjunctivitis can be treated by oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine, external treatment, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, diet regulation and emotional regulation. Catarrhal conjunctivitis is often caused by pathogenic factors such as wind and heat invasion, liver fire inflammation, damp heat accumulation, yin deficiency and excessive fire, or spleen deficiency and weak qi. It is characterized by redness and swelling of the eyelids, increased secretion, photophobia and tearing.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Oral Administration

For wind heat type, Yinqiao Powder can be selected with modifications, containing honeysuckle, forsythia and other heat clearing and detoxifying ingredients; The liver fire type should be treated with Longdan Xiegan Tang, which contains gentian grass and gardenia to clear the liver and relieve fire; Recommended for damp heat type is San Ren Tang, which contains Coix seed, Bai Shao seed, and other ingredients to remove dampness and turbidity. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners should prescribe prescriptions based on syndrome differentiation and avoid self medication. During the medication period, avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods and observe for any gastrointestinal discomfort or other reactions.

2. External treatment [SEP]: Wild chrysanthemum and mulberry leaf decoction can be used to smoke and wash the affected eyes, repeated daily; Or apply Huanglian powder and physiological saline to the eyelids. Severe cases can be treated with local eye drops of Houttuynia cordata. Clean hands before operation to avoid cross infection. Topical medication may cause a brief stinging sensation, and if discomfort persists, it should be discontinued.

3. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture at Taiyang, Zanzhu, Fengchi and other acupoints, together with bloodletting and heat releasing at the ear tip. Excessive liver fire is combined with Taichong acupoint, while spleen deficiency is combined with Zusanli acupoint. Acupuncture and moxibustion can dredge the meridians and regulate qi and blood, but it should be used cautiously for those with coagulation dysfunction. Maintain eye relaxation during treatment and avoid rubbing.

4. Dietary adjustment

It is recommended to eat heat clearing ingredients such as bitter gourd and mung beans, or goji berry and chrysanthemum tea to nourish the liver and improve vision. People with damp heat constitution can use red bean and barley porridge to strengthen the spleen and promote dampness. Avoid foods such as lamb, chives, and fried foods. Daily water intake and maintaining regular bowel movements can help eliminate toxins.

5. Emotional regulation

The liver opens its eyes, and emotional fluctuations can exacerbate symptoms. You can relieve stress and ensure sufficient sleep by breathing and exhaling through the Eight Section Brocade. Avoid prolonged eye contact and relax by looking into the distance every half hour. Patients with combined anxiety can press the Taichong acupoint and take deep breaths. During the treatment period, it is necessary to keep the eyes clean and use a physiological saline swab to clean secretions. Wear dust goggles when going out to avoid strong light stimulation. Contact lenses should not be worn during the acute phase, and towels should be boiled and disinfected. If there is visual impairment or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately. Persist in acupressure around the eyes after recovery, regularly drink cassia seed tea to prevent recurrence, and moderately supplement vitamin A to help with mucosal repair. Pay attention to eye hygiene and avoid excessive fatigue, which is the key to preventing recurrence.