Pearl (mother of pearl or nacre) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for eye health. In TCM, pearl powder is believed to "clear the liver" and "brighten the eyes," with its use dating back more than a thousand years in classical herbal texts such as the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica). Historically, it has been used to address eye redness, dryness, blurred vision, and discomfort, often administered as part of oral formulations or used topically in eye preparations.

Scientifically, evidence supporting pearl’s efficacy for eye health is limited. Pearl contains calcium carbonate and trace minerals, and some laboratory studies have investigated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could be theoretically relevant to ocular well-being. However, clinical trials in humans specifically assessing pearl's effects on eye disorders or vision are lacking. No robust, high-quality randomized controlled trials have confirmed its benefits for eye health.

Thus, while pearl’s use for eye health is well-established in traditional practices, modern biomedical validation is minimal. Its continued inclusion in supplements targeting the eyes is rooted in historical precedent rather than strong scientific data.