Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is characterized by marked conjunctival congestion and edema, numerous conjunctival follicles, and sometimes pseudomembrane formation and subconjunctival petechial hemorrhages, along with punctate infiltrates in the corneal epithelium. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “acute epidemic red eye with corneal opacity” (Tianxing Chiyan Baoyi) and “acute red eye with corneal opacity” (Baochi Shengyi).

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

At onset, the white of the eye is markedly red and swollen. Thirst and dry stools may occur, often accompanied by tender preauricular nodules. The tongue is dry with a dry coating, and the pulse is rapid and forceful.

In Plain Language:

  • At the beginning of the illness, the white of the eye becomes red and swollen.
  • You may feel thirsty and have dry stools.
  • Tender nodules, described in TCM as “dunhe” and resembling boil-like lumps, may occur in front of the ears.
  • The tongue surface may look dry when you stick out your tongue.
  • The tongue coating is dry.
  • The pulse may feel faster and stronger than usual.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Clear heat and drain Lung fire; brighten the eyes and reduce corneal opacity.

In Plain Language:

  • In TCM terms, this approach aims to clear internal heat and drain Lung heat, addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and thick yellow phlegm.
  • It is intended to improve visual clarity and reduce blurred vision associated with corneal opacity or other obstructions.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and leaflet, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Yinqiao Jiedu Pills

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Corneal involvement is more severe, with clusters of star-shaped opacities. Photophobia, tearing, blurred vision, and ciliary injection may occur, along with a bitter taste, dry throat, constipation, and dark or reddish urine. The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is wiry and rapid.

In Plain Language:

  • The cornea is more seriously affected, with more noticeable changes in the “black of the eye” (cornea).
  • Clusters of small, star-like whitish cloudy spots may appear on the corneal surface (“star-like opacities in clusters”).
  • Light may feel uncomfortable or glaring, and the eyes may water easily.
  • Vision may become blurred.
  • There may be a ring of redness around the cornea (“ciliary injection”).
  • You may have a bitter taste in your mouth and an uncomfortable dry throat.
  • Stools may be hard to pass, and urine may appear yellow or reddish.
  • The tongue may look red when you stick it out.
  • The tongue coating may look yellow.
  • The pulse may feel taut like a string and faster than usual.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Clear Liver heat and drain fire; brighten the eyes and reduce corneal opacity.

In Plain Language:

  • In TCM terms, this approach aims to reduce Liver fire and address internal heat-related discomfort such as red eyes, restlessness, bitter taste, and distending discomfort in the sides of the torso.
  • It is intended to improve visual clarity and reduce blurred vision associated with corneal opacity or other obstructions.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and leaflet, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Longdan Xiegan Decoction

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

In the later stage of the condition, redness of the white of the eye gradually subsides, but star-like opacities remain on the cornea. Photophobia, tearing, and blurred vision may persist. The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin and rapid.

In Plain Language:

  • In the later stage of the illness, redness of the white of the eye gradually eases, but the small star-like cloudy spots on the corneal surface have not fully cleared.
  • Photophobia may continue, with discomfort in bright light and easy tearing.
  • Vision may remain blurred, potentially affecting everyday activities.
  • The tongue may look red and have less moisture, appearing somewhat dry.
  • The pulse may feel thin and faster than usual.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Nourish Yin and dispel pathogenic factors; reduce corneal opacity and brighten the eyes.

In Plain Language:

  • In TCM terms, this approach aims to replenish fluids and nourish the body while dispelling lingering pathogenic factors.
  • It is intended to reduce corneal opacity and other obstructions that may blur vision.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and leaflet, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

References

  1. Jin Ming. Annotations to the TCM Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines: Ophthalmic Diseases [M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2015: 15–21.
  2. Li Fengming. Chinese Ophthalmology [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2011: 1142.
  3. Li Meiyu. Ophthalmology Handbook [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2000: 235–236.
  4. Zhao Hongfan. Treatment of 64 cases of acute keratoconjunctivitis with traditional Chinese medicine [J]. Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2007, 27(10): 51.
  5. Yang Mei. Clinical observation of 40 cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis treated with Houttuynia eye drops [J]. Chinese Journal of Ethnomedicine and Ethnopharmacy, 2015(3): 31–33.
  6. Du Cheng, Yu Qizhi. Observation of the therapeutic effect of Longdan Xiegan Decoction combined with ganciclovir ophthalmic gel for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis [J]. Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 2009, 3(2): 213–214.
  7. Sun He, Liu Jingxia, Jin Hua. Overview of research on Chinese herbal eye drops for infectious keratitis and conjunctivitis [J]. Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2000(2): 7–8.
  8. Yang Guiqiu. Zhang Huaian’s experience using Longdan Xiegan Decoction to treat eye diseases [J]. Hunan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1997, 13(2): 21.
  9. Yang Yongming, Xia Chengzhi, Lü Jie, et al. Forty cases of keratoconjunctivitis treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine [J]. Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2011, 43(11): 34.
  10. Gong Lan, Sun Xinghuai. Clinical observation of Houttuynia eye drops for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis [J]. Recent Advances in Ophthalmology, 2005, 25(5): 456–457.