Zhu Jing Wan — Pearl Eye Pill (Halt the Image Pill)

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

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

1. Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta chinensis) — tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence; specifically benefits the eyes
2. Che Qian Zi (plantain seed) — clears Liver Heat and benefits vision; drains Damp
3. Gou Qi Zi (goji berry) — nourishes Liver-Kidney Yin; benefits vision
4. Niu Xi (achyranthes) — strengthens lower back and tonifies Liver-Kidney
5. Sheng Di Huang — nourishes Yin and cools Blood
6. Tian Men Dong — nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin
7. Wu Wei Zi (schisandra) — astringes Essence and benefits the eyes

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Liver-Kidney Yin and Essence
2. Brightens the eyes
3. Restores vision
4. Resolves floaters and visual decline

Conditions treated

1. Age-related macular degeneration — early stage, alongside ophthalmology
2. Floaters (vitreous opacities)
3. Computer vision syndrome and dry eye
4. Diabetic retinopathy early stage (alongside diabetes care)
5. Retinitis pigmentosa (alongside ophthalmology)
6. Early cataracts
7. Open-angle glaucoma (alongside conventional drops)
8. Sjögren’s syndrome dry eye
9. Night blindness
10. Optic atrophy
11. 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.

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