Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease with a high global rate of blindness. Its damage to visual function is irreversible, mainly manifested as visual field defects and structural changes of the optic nerve. Although current Western medicine can effectively control intraocular pressure (IOP), it remains limited in slowing or halting the progressive loss of visual function. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown unique advantages in the treatment of glaucoma, particularly in improving microcirculation, regulating neural function, and delaying disease progression. This paper systematically reviews the pathological mechanisms underlying visual function impairment in glaucoma and the traditional Chinese medical understanding of its pathogenesis. It focuses on recent advances in TCM interventions—including herbal compound prescriptions, single herbs and their extracts, acupuncture, and other methods—and discusses the current status and advantages of integrated TCM and Western medicine approaches. The paper also identifies current research limitations, such as the lack of high-quality evidence-based studies and standardized diagnostic classification, and proposes future directions involving deeper mechanistic exploration and more rigorous clinical protocols. This aims to provide new insights and theoretical support for the comprehensive prevention and treatment of glaucoma.

Hu Weixuan, Yan Jiali, Kou Lieling. Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Visual Function Impairment in Glaucoma. Frontiers in Medical Science Research (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 4: 84-90. https://doi.org/10.25236/FMSR.2025.070411.

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