The theoretical foundation of TCM Iridodiagnosis can be traced back to the record in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) - Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot) - Chapter on Great Perplexity, which states that "the essence of the five zang-organs and six fu-organs ascends and infuses into the eyes". This theory of correlation has long clarified the close connection between the zang-fu organs and the eyes. Modern clinical studies have found that changes in iris texture may be associated with certain physical conditions. Currently, some domestic institutions and research institutes are exploring the integration and innovation of iris imaging technology with TCM natural rehabilitation medicine, aiming to provide references for health management through iris feature analysis.
In the 19th century, a Hungarian scientist created the first anatomically accurate map of the human iris, systematically documenting the classification of iris textures and proposing naming conventions such as "radial lines" and "pit-like patterns". This system was referred to as "ocular diagnosis", which is what we now call iridodiagnosis.
The early observations of iris textures share structural similarities with the Daugman Algorithm used in modern iris recognition technology—their commonality lies in focusing on the topological features of iris folds. Modern technology has significantly improved the accuracy of iris recognition by leveraging near-infrared imaging and live detection (e.g., dynamic pupil verification). In contrast, the error margin of iris observation was much larger in the early era when records relied on hand-drawing. This technological evolution clearly demonstrates that humanity’s approach to "decoding" the iris is shifting from subjective speculation in the past to an objective and quantitative scientific path.
The differences in the acceptance of iris recognition essentially stem from cultural conflicts in the "view of the body":
In the East Asian cultural context, the eyes have always been endowed with the special significance of a "gateway to the spirit". The ethical tradition of "do not look at what is not in accordance with ritual propriety" (from the Book of Rites) has long deeply linked ocular perception to an individual’s moral boundaries and spiritual privacy. This cultural perception means that people’s wariness toward ocular information collection is essentially a defense of the "privacy boundary in the visual domain". From an East Asian cultural perspective, ocular data is not only biological information but also a symbol carrying an individual’s spiritual traits. Therefore, concerns about its unauthorized use originate from the adherence to the cultural tradition that "the inviolability of spiritual privacy must be upheld".
In Western culture, the perception of technology tends to emphasize "instrumental neutrality"—that is, technology itself has no inherent moral character (neither good nor evil), and the key lies in the constraints of usage rules. Even though the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict standards for the use of biometric data, public resistance to iris technology remains relatively low. The core reason lies in the Western cultural logic of "perceived controllability of technology": as long as a clear legal framework defines the boundaries of data use, the value of technology can be exerted while protecting privacy. This trust in "technology constrained by rules" weakens resistance to the technology itself.
In the future, the global promotion of iris technology will likely revolve around the "in-depth integration of cultural perception and technical rules". The ideal development direction is to establish a "culture-adapted technological ethics system"—one that neither ignores the unique cultural perceptions of ocular privacy in different regions nor denies the practical value of technology. Instead, cultural research should be incorporated into the early stages of technology design, aligning data protection rules with local cultural values. For example, for cultural groups that value spiritual privacy, mechanisms for transparent notification of data use and purpose-locking should be strengthened; for cultural groups that trust the instrumental nature of technology, the accountability system for data abuse should be further improved. This technology ethics framework, customized based on cultural differences, may become the key to promoting the global popularization of iris technology.
Beyond the interaction between iris technology and culture, the field of art has also launched unique explorations of iris biometrics. Such creations often take iris data as the core carrier, adhering to internationally accepted biometric technology standards while integrating diverse artistic expressions. Some transform iris features (as defined by technical standards) into concrete artistic language, while others reconstruct the connection between biometric data and identity perception through artistic techniques—achieving an integration of technological rationality and artistic sensibility.
This cross-disciplinary practice not only endows iris technology with a dimension of humanistic expression but also expands the boundaries of interaction between technology and culture from a non-practical perspective. It echoes the global trend of "culture-adapted technological development", allowing the iris— a carrier with both biological attributes and cultural significance—to demonstrate richer potential values under the dual impetus of technological application and humanistic exploration.
