The Liver Meridian It continues along the side of the throat to connect with the eyes, finally reaching the forehead. Branches of the Liver meridian move down to the cheeks, lips, and lungs. The Liver (meridian) “Opens to the Eyes” meaning it is the primary meridian that is responsible for healthy vision.
The eye is connected to the brain and dependent upon the brain to interpret what we see. How we see depends upon the transfer of light. Light passes through the front of the eye (cornea) to the lens. The cornea and the lens help to focus the light rays onto the back of the eye (retina).
Liver disease can cause cranial nerve abnormalities that present as gaze palsies or nystagmus. Wilson's disease can cause a horizontal gaze palsy. Wernicke encephalopathy, caused by thiamine deficiency, may be seen with alcoholic liver disease.
The connection between the eyes and the liver has been discovered and valued in many studies (Wang et al., 2021), which is achieved through a variety of pathways including metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunity.
People with compromised liver health such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis or alcohol induced liver inflammation are also at risk of vision loss and poor eye health.
Yellow Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
Your skin may look yellow along with the whites of your eyes. Doctors call this jaundice. This happens when too much of a yellow substance from your red blood cells called bilirubin builds up.
Acute liver failure causes fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort on your right side, just below your ribs, and diarrhea. Acute liver failure is a serious condition. It requires medical care right away. If treatments are not effective, you may be a candidate for a liver transplant.
Common eye problems for people with kidney disease or who are on dialysis. Dry, red, and sore eyes that feel gritty. These symptoms may occur because of impaired blinking and tear formation, leading to dry eyes. Extra calcium and phosphate can also settle in the eyes and cause irritation.
The liver is very resilient and capable of regenerating itself. Each time your liver filters alcohol, some of the liver cells die. The liver can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol misuse (drinking too much) over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate.
Many skin conditions – from acne to eczema to psoriasis – can be linked to poor liver function. A tired, overworked liver can lead to dry, itchy skin, acne, and a dull complexion. Everything you eat, drink, and consume is processed by your liver, so it's important to keep it as healthy as possible.
Pain in your liver itself can feel like a dull throbbing pain or a stabbing sensation in your right upper abdomen just under your ribs. General abdominal pain and discomfort can also be related to swelling from fluid retention and enlargement of your spleen and liver caused by cirrhosis.
Stage 1: Inflammation
In the early stages of liver disease, the liver will become swollen or inflamed as the body's natural response to injury. Liver inflammation, or hepatitis, can also occur when there are more toxins in the blood than the liver is able to manage. The earlier the diagnosis, the better.
The liver is part of the body's natural detoxification system, which helps filter out toxins. Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
Flush out the eye, or eyes, for up to 15 minutes with warm water, stopping every few minutes, to see if the eye has been thoroughly flushed out. There are several ways to do this: Stand in the shower, and let warm (not hot) water cascade onto your forehead and into your eye, on a low-pressure setting.
Jaundice. A yellowish tint in whites of the eyes may be an indication of liver disease.
Vitamin A. This vitamin can protect the eye's cornea, which is responsible for focusing light to the ocular lens. By eating these regularly, you can better prevent night blindness and dry eyes. Eggs, beef or chicken liver, and milk are rich sources of this vitamin.
And studies show coffee may protect against liver disease. Most of the benefits are thanks to antioxidants. A large 2021 study found that drinking coffee was associated with a lower risk of liver disease. Effects were similar for both regular and decaf coffee.
Increased appetite: Digesting foods and nutrients can become easier as the liver healing continues. Usually, your appetite can improve as well. Improved blood work: Liver healing can lower toxin levels in your blood and improve liver function. You can see evidence of these improvements in your lab work.
Drinking a large amount of water is essential for your liver's detoxification. It removes the toxins and flushes the liver tissues.