Chinese Medicine for Surfer’s eye (Pterygium)
Surfer’s Eye (Pterygium):
If you spend a lot of time surfing, sailing, or outdoors in bright sunlight, you might have heard of surfer’s eye, also called pterygium. This is a fleshy, triangular growth on the white of the eye that can slowly extend toward the cornea. It’s most often caused by UV exposure, wind, saltwater, and dry, dusty conditions.
While Western medicine explains it as a reaction to long-term irritation, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views surfer’s eye as a sign of Wind, Heat, and Dryness impacting the eyes, combined with an imbalance in the Liver system which, in TCM theory, “opens into the eyes.”
What Causes Surfer’s Eye from a TCM Perspective?
In TCM, healthy eyes rely on Liver Blood and Kidney Essence to stay nourished, moist, and clear. Surfer’s eye can appear when:
Wind and Heat irritate the eye’s surface (ie hours in the surf, coastal winds, and sun glare).
Dryness depletes eye fluids, leaving the eyes vulnerable.
Long-term irritation leads to Phlegm and Blood Stagnation, creating the thickened tissue of pterygium.
From this perspective, treatment isn’t just about the eye it’s about restoring balance, cooling Heat, nourishing Yin, and improving circulation to the eyes.
Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Tips for Surfer’s Eye
Whether you’re dealing with a mild pterygium or want to prevent surfer’s eye, these self-care steps can help:
Protect from Sun & Wind – Wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brim hat block UV rays and airborne irritants.
Hydrate the Eyes – Use preservative-free lubricating drops and blink often when outdoors.
Reduce Screen Strain – Minimise glare and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Eat Eye-Nourishing Foods – Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and natural pigments help protect vision.
Chinese Herbs Commonly Used for Eye Health
These common Chinese herbs are traditionally included in TCM food therapy or gentle home teas—not as a replacement for a personalised herbal prescription from a qualified practitioner.
Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) – Nourishes Liver and Kidney, supports tear production, and brightens the eyes.
Chrysanthemum Flower (Ju Hua) – Clears Liver Heat, soothes dry or irritated eyes, and helps relieve redness.
Cassia Seeds (Jue Ming Zi) – Calms Liver Yang, clears Heat, and moistens dryness.
Mulberry Fruit (Sang Shen) – Nourishes Yin and Blood to maintain eye moisture and healthy vision.
Dandelion Leaf (Pu Gong Ying) – Clears Heat and reduces inflammation.
Easy Herbal Tea for Surfer’s Eye Support
Ingredients:
6–8 goji berries
3–5 chrysanthemum flowers
1 tsp roasted cassia seeds
Instructions:
Place all herbs in a cup or teapot.
Add hot water (around 85°C, not boiling).
Steep for 5–10 minutes.
Drink warm, once daily for a week.
This blend supports the Liver, clears Heat, and gently nourishes the eyes.