I finally went to the ophthalmologist for dry eye treatment.

I have worn glasses and contact lenses for a long time due to high myopia. I also frequently experienced conjunctivitis. My eyes were very red and felt very foreign, so I visited an ophthalmologist and was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Sharing my experience of dry eye treatment.

 

What is dry eye syndrome?

 

Dry eye syndrome is a condition caused by abnormalities in the tear film. It refers to a state where tears are either insufficient or evaporate excessively, leading to damage to the surface of the eye.

 

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

 

You may feel a foreign body sensation as if sand has entered your eyes, along with dryness, roughness, and redness of the eyes. You might feel more comfortable when your eyes are closed than when they are open. In my case, the foreign body sensation, roughness, and redness were so severe that I thought I had conjunctivitis, so I went to an ophthalmologist, but it was not conjunctivitis; I was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. If the symptoms are severe, proper treatment for dry eye syndrome is absolutely necessary.

 

What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?

 

The causes of dry eye syndrome are diverse. It is important to understand the cause in order to properly address and treat dry eye syndrome and prevent recurrence. Environmental factors can contribute, such as dryness caused by indoor heating in winter, or wind from fans and air conditioners in summer. Fine dust is also a relevant factor. Additionally, prolonged use of computer monitors and smartphones can be causes. Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can also be problematic because it blocks oxygen supply. After identifying the causes, I realized that my lifestyle habits inevitably lead to dry eye syndrome. Wearing lenses for long hours, using the computer for a long time, and using my phone until just before sleep all had negative effects. Recently, with the heat, it seems that using air conditioners and fans has worsened the condition.

 

4. What is the treatment for dry eye syndrome?

 

I went to the ophthalmology clinic because of severe redness. During the eye examination, I received a comprehensive check-up, and after consulting with the doctor, I was prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops and single-use artificial tears. The anti-inflammatory medication was shaken well and instilled three times a day to treat dry eye syndrome.

 

 

What are some methods that can be combined with dry eye treatment?

 

Besides anti-inflammatory drugs and artificial tears, other ways to treat dry eye syndrome include first, reducing the wearing time of contact lenses to at least 6 hours. I am currently not wearing contact lenses and using glasses until my symptoms improve. The second is that drinking enough water can also help, so I plan to drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily. The third is to look at distant objects every at least 20 minutes when using a cellphone or computer monitor and to do eye exercises. Additionally, applying warm compresses with a towel soaked in water at about 40-42°C has been very helpful in treating dry eye syndrome.

 

Simply applying artificial tears for dry eyes does not treat eyes with severe redness. If symptoms are severe, be sure to visit an ophthalmologist for an eye examination and receive appropriate treatment for dry eyes.