Myopia Progression and the Spleen's Role: An Integrative Interpretation through Traditional Chinese Medicine

Myopia, a refractive condition of increasing global prevalence, is traditionally addressed by Western medicine through factors such as excessive screen use and limited exposure to natural light. This review explores the influence of the Spleen on myopia progression from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, presenting a complementary and holistic view. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the energetic imbalance of the Spleen, caused by factors like ex-cessive studying, exaggerated worry, inadequate diets (cold, processed, and sugary foods), and exposure to cold, compromises the production of Blood (Xue) and its circulation. These factors generate dampness and phlegm which, by making the blood more viscous and causing inflam-mation, impair the nutrition and oxygenation of the eye’s microvessels. The deficiency of Blood and poor circulation directly affect the nutrition of the ocular muscles, contributing to the axial elongation of the eyeball, one of the main factors of myopia. Traditional Chinese Medicine of-fers strategies aimed at strengthening the Spleen and the Xue, harmonising the energetic system to improve overall Xue circulation and, consequently, ocular health.