Artificial tears are only temporary... If your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, try eyelid cleansing.

The cornea is the tissue located on the outermost surface of the eyeball, serving as the first structure through which light passes and refracts to enable vision. Positioned at the front of the eye, it is constantly exposed to external environmental factors and is sensitive to social and environmental changes such as fine dust, ultraviolet rays, and increased use of electronic devices. Corneal diseases are not difficult to treat but can be overlooked; however, they can lead to other serious eye conditions, so it is important to always focus on prevention and proper management.

 

 

 

Dry eye syndrome is an inflammatory disease of the ocular surface caused by an absolute deficiency in tear volume or poor tear quality, leading to insufficient retention on the eye surface and rapid evaporation. Symptoms include redness, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, and itching. Factors known to worsen dry eye syndrome include increased use of air conditioning and heating devices, increased use of electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, contact lens wear, and corrective surgeries for myopia such as SMILE and LASIK.

 

 

 

According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, as of 2023, the number of dry eye patients in Korea is approximately 2.5 million on average. Since it is a common symptom experienced by many people, it tends to be regarded as a minor issue, and especially among the young, many perceive dry eye syndrome as a mild condition and neglect it. According to a survey by the Korean Ophthalmological Society, more than half of the respondents answered that they purchase artificial tears at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription for dry eye treatment, indicating that dry eye syndrome is not widely recognized as a condition requiring medical treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

If dry eye syndrome is simply dismissed as discomfort and left untreated, it can develop into a chronic condition. It can cause complications such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, conjunctival stones, corneal ulcers, and vision impairment, and in severe cases, it can lead to blindness, so caution is necessary.

 

 

 

The most desirable way to improve dry eye syndrome is to practice healthy habits that benefit eye health, prevent eye diseases through regular eye examinations, and receive timely treatment.

 

 

 

One good habit to practice in daily life is keeping the eyelids clean. Using an eyelid cleanser to wash the eyelids, along with warm compresses, helps open blocked oil glands in the eyelids, making it easier for waste to be expelled.

 

☆Apply the eyelid cleanser to a cotton swab or gauze, then gently wipe along the edges of the upper and lower eyelids and eyelashes.

 

Performing 1 to 2 times a day to keep the eyelids clean and remove oil components can prevent inflammation of the eyelids.

 

 

 

Additionally, when using computers and smartphones for extended periods or reading books, the frequency of blinking decreases, leading to dry eye syndrome ☆

 

Periodically resting your eyes or looking at distant objects can also be helpful. Blinking spreads tears across the entire eye surface and helps clean the cornea with an antimicrobial effect. Additionally, when there is heavy dust or yellow dust, it is advisable to refrain from going outside, wear glasses or sunglasses to reduce eye irritation, and limit contact lens wear to a maximum of 10 hours per day if possible.

 

The most important thing is regular eye examinations and timely treatment tailored to the individual. While artificial tears can alleviate symptoms of dry eye syndrome, the causes of dry eye are diverse, so it is essential to have a healthcare professional prescribe the appropriate eye drops for your condition and to use them according to the recommended frequency. Additionally, if there is no improvement after using artificial tears for more than three months, you should visit an ophthalmologist to determine the exact cause. If inflammation is present in the meibomian glands and symptoms do not improve with eye drops alone, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment to dissolve the accumulated sebum in the meibomian glands can also be a treatment option.

 

Dr. Ko Kyung-min, a specialist at the Cornea Center of Kim Eye Hospital, said, "Recently, there has been an increase in patients visiting the ophthalmology department due to dry eye syndrome, but many people are unaware of the severity of dry eye syndrome." He added, "Healthy and moist eyes improve quality of life, so it is important to receive appropriate treatment based on your eye condition and to undergo regular eye examinations for continuous management."

 

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Since menopause, I have developed dry eyes, so my eyes

It stings or sometimes lightning flashes in my eyes.

There are times when my eyes open very wide, so after an eye exam, I was prescribed artificial tears to use, and when I wash my eyes with eye mucus cleaning solution, they get better.

There are probably many people like me.

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