Zhu Jing Wan (驻景丸) — Pearl Eye Pill (Halt the Image Pill)
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Overview
Zhu Jing Wan — the “Pearl Eye Pill” or more accurately “Halt the Image Pill” — is a Tang-dynasty formula from the Yin Hai Jing Wei, the foundational classic of Chinese ophthalmology. The name “Zhu Jing” (literally “stop the [fading] image”) reflects its purpose: to halt the decline of vision in age-related eye conditions by tonifying the Liver and Kidney essence that classical TCM holds as the source of the eyes’ light.
The formula combines Liver-Kidney essence-nourishing herbs (Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi, Niu Xi, Sheng Di, Wu Wei Zi) in a relatively gentle, sustained-action combination. It is the foundational eye formula in TCM ophthalmology and the basis for many modern proprietary eye preparations.
I prescribe Zhu Jing Wan as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
TCM pattern
Zhu Jing Wan is prescribed for Liver-Kidney Yin and Essence deficiency affecting the eyes:
- Gradually declining vision
- Blurred vision
- Floaters (vitreous opacities)
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Tired eyes after reading or screen use
- Night blindness or poor low-light vision
- Photophobia in some cases
- Sore lower back, knee weakness
- Premature greying
- Tongue — pale red, possibly with little coat
- Pulse — thin, weak at proximal positions
Key herbs
- Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta chinensis, 15-20g) — tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence; specifically benefits the eyes
- Che Qian Zi (plantain seed, 6-10g) — clears Liver Heat and benefits vision; drains Damp
- Gou Qi Zi (goji berry) — nourishes Liver-Kidney Yin; benefits vision
- Niu Xi (achyranthes) — strengthens lower back and tonifies Liver-Kidney
- Sheng Di Huang — nourishes Yin and cools Blood
- Tian Men Dong — nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin
- Wu Wei Zi (schisandra) — astringes Essence and benefits the eyes
Formula actions
- Tonifies Liver-Kidney Yin and Essence
- Brightens the eyes
- Restores vision
- Resolves floaters and visual decline
Conditions treated
- Age-related macular degeneration — early stage, alongside ophthalmology
- Floaters (vitreous opacities)
- Computer vision syndrome and dry eye
- Diabetic retinopathy early stage (alongside diabetes care)
- Retinitis pigmentosa (alongside ophthalmology)
- Early cataracts
- Open-angle glaucoma (alongside conventional drops)
- Sjögren’s syndrome dry eye
- Night blindness
- Optic atrophy
- Recovery after eye surgery in older patients
Cautions
Sudden vision loss, flashes and floaters, eye pain, or visual field defects require urgent ophthalmology assessment — this formula does not substitute for emergency eye care.
Not appropriate for acute Liver-Fire eye conditions (red, painful, hot eyes — use Long Dan Xie Gan Tang or Xie Qing Wan).
Glaucoma needs regular monitoring of intraocular pressure; herbs are an adjunct.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
How does Zhu Jing Wan work?
Zhu Jing Wan (“Pearl Brightness Pill”) combines Liver-and-Kidney-Yin-nourishing herbs (Shu Di Huang, Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi, Niu Xi) with eye-brightening herbs (Ju Hua, Bai Ji Li, Mai Men Dong) to address the chronic dryness and visual disturbance pattern common in degenerative eye conditions. The formula targets the TCM understanding that the eyes are nourished by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence; depletion of these substrates over time manifests as the chronic dry eye, blurred vision, floaters and early macular changes seen in older adults. In TCM clinical practice the formula may help support visual comfort and reduce dry-eye symptoms alongside conventional ophthalmology care.
Dosage and forms
- Pharmaceutical-grade granules — 4–6 g/day in 2–3 divided doses. The most individualised form. Typical course 3–6 months for chronic dry eye; longer for stabilising early-stage degenerative changes.
- Patent pills — the traditional honey-bound pill form; convenient maintenance once active symptoms have improved.
I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, individualised within a bespoke prescription.
Cautions and contraindications
- Damp-Heat patterns — the moistening character may aggravate marked Damp accumulation
- Spleen-Qi deficient digestion — the formula is rich and moistening; in weak digestion combine with Spleen-strengthening modifications
- Pregnancy — use cautiously, only under qualified herbalist supervision
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Treatment runs alongside (not instead of) ophthalmology care; any new or worsening visual symptom requires conventional ophthalmological assessment.
Online Chinese herbal consultations
I prescribe Chinese herbal medicine through online video consultations for patients throughout the UK and internationally. After a full case-history consultation reviewing your TCM pattern, presenting complaint, current medications and individual constitution, a bespoke prescription is formulated and the pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan are posted directly to your door. I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) with over 25 years of clinical experience.
Treatment runs alongside (not instead of) conventional medical care. Always continue to be seen by your GP or specialist for any diagnosed condition; herbal medicine is used as a complementary therapy. See the prices page for consultation and dispensing fees.
Comparison with related formulas
- Qi Ju Di Huang Wan — the Liu Wei Di Huang Wan base with Gou Qi Zi and Ju Hua added. Use as a gentler Liver-Kidney Yin tonifying formula with eye-specific actions.
- Ming Mu Di Huang Wan — another eye-specific variant of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. Choice depends on specific symptom emphasis.
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — the foundational Kidney-Yin-tonifying formula. Use when the underlying Kidney-Yin deficiency is the dominant pattern and eye symptoms are one component of a wider Kidney-deficient picture.
Frequently asked questions
Can Zhu Jing Wan reverse macular degeneration?
The formula does not reverse established structural retinal changes seen on OCT or fundus imaging. It targets the underlying TCM pattern (Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency) and may help support visual comfort, reduce dry-eye symptoms and slow the trajectory of degeneration in TCM clinical practice. For wet macular degeneration, anti-VEGF injections via conventional ophthalmology remain the standard of care; the formula is complementary, not a replacement. For dry AMD, lifestyle measures (AREDS2 supplements, diet, smoking cessation) plus TCM support is the integrative approach.
Is Zhu Jing Wan good for computer-vision-syndrome dry eye?
Yes — the formula targets the Yin-deficient dryness pattern that develops with chronic screen use and reduced blink frequency. Most patients with computer-related chronic dry eye notice meaningful symptom improvement within 6–10 weeks of daily granule treatment combined with screen-hygiene measures (20-20-20 rule, screen position, blue-light filter, ambient humidity). The combined approach reduces reliance on artificial tear drops.
Can I take it with artificial tear drops?
Yes — no interactions between the oral herbal formula and topical lubricating eye drops. Most patients continue using artificial tears as needed during the initial weeks of treatment and naturally reduce their use as the underlying dryness pattern responds. Preservative-free tears are preferred for chronic use.
How long until I notice eye symptom improvement?
Most patients notice initial reduction in dry-eye symptoms within 4–6 weeks of daily granule treatment. Substantial improvement (50%+ symptom reduction, fewer artificial tear applications, improved visual comfort) typically develops over 3–4 months. For structural conditions (early AMD, glaucoma) the goal is symptom support and slowing progression, not reversal.
Should I combine it with omega-3 supplementation?
Yes — omega-3 supplementation (1–2 g/day combined EPA+DHA) is well-evidenced for dry eye and complements the formula's Yin-nourishing effect on tear film quality. Combined supplementation supports both meibomian gland function (omega-3) and constitutional Yin substrate (the formula). The combined approach often produces better results than either alone.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
