Dry Eye Syndrome
Treating the root cause for lasting relief
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the eyes produce insufficient tears or when tear quality deteriorates, leaving the ocular surface inadequately lubricated. Due to modern lifestyles and environmental changes, its prevalence has risen sharply, with over 30% of Korean adults reported to have experienced dry eye symptoms.
Tears are not simply water. They consist of three layers: a lipid layer, an aqueous layer, and a mucin layer. When any of these layers is compromised, tears evaporate too quickly or fail to spread evenly across the eye surface, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Environmental Factors
- Prolonged computer/smartphone use
- Dry indoor environments (air conditioning, heating)
- Fine dust and yellow dust
- Prolonged contact lens wear
- Windy environments
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
- Meibomian gland obstruction (clogged eyelid oil glands)
- Lipid layer deficiency causing increased tear evaporation
- Accounts for approximately 86% of all dry eye cases
- Often accompanied by blepharitis
- Related to aging, cosmetics use, and hormonal changes
Tear Film Instability
- Decreased tear secretion (aging, autoimmune diseases)
- Mucin layer abnormalities (conjunctival damage)
- Hormonal changes (menopausal women)
- Medication side effects (antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.)
- Systemic diseases (Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
Dry Eye Symptom Checklist
If 3 or more of the following symptoms apply to you, dry eye syndrome may be suspected.
If 3 or more apply, we recommend consulting an eye care specialist.
Dry Eye Self-Assessment
Simple Self-Test: Blink Test
Method
- 1Sit comfortably and look straight ahead.
- 2Blink naturally, then open your eyes.
- 3Measure how long you can keep your eyes open without blinking.
Interpreting Results
Treatment Options
Artificial Tears
The most fundamental treatment for dry eye syndrome. Preservative-free single-use artificial tears are recommended, and the appropriate viscosity should be selected based on symptom severity. In severe cases, prescription artificial tears containing hyaluronic acid or carboxymethylcellulose may be used.
IPL Treatment (Intense Pulsed Light)
A state-of-the-art treatment that uses specialized light applied to the skin around the eyes to restore meibomian gland function. It reduces inflammation and normalizes lipid secretion from the meibomian glands, reducing tear evaporation. Typically, 4 sessions are recommended at 3-4 week intervals, with each session taking approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Effective for evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction
- Non-invasive with immediate return to daily activities after treatment
- Reduces eyelid inflammation and bacterial count
- Effectiveness increases with additional sessions
Punctal Plug Insertion
A small plug is inserted into the tear drainage duct (punctum) to help tears stay on the eye surface longer. Effective for aqueous-deficient dry eye with insufficient tear production, the procedure takes approximately 5 minutes and is very simple.
LipiFlow
A medical device that applies simultaneous heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids to directly treat blocked meibomian glands. The approximately 12-minute treatment promotes oil drainage from the meibomian glands, and a single treatment may provide effects lasting 9-15 months.
Other Treatments
- Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops (Cyclosporine, Lifitegrast)
Suppresses inflammation in chronic dry eye for a more fundamental treatment approach.
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Customized eye drops made from components extracted from the patient's own blood.
- Lid Hygiene
Daily care through warm compresses, eyelid massage, and eyelid cleansers.
Dry Eye Prevention Guidelines
20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds.
Adequate Hydration
Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain body hydration.
Appropriate Indoor Humidity
Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity at 40-60%.
Conscious Blinking
Consciously blink more often when using a computer.
Omega-3 Intake
Eat omega-3 rich foods such as oily fish and nuts.
Avoid Direct Airflow
Adjust the direction of air conditioners and heaters so air does not blow directly into your eyes.
Don't Endure Dry Eye — Get Professional Treatment
Dry eye syndrome is not just a minor discomfort; it is a condition that requires proper treatment. Let Raum Smile Eye Clinic accurately diagnose the cause and provide personalized treatment.