Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
When the eyes repeatedly feel dry, irritated, or gritty—as though sand is trapped in them—many people first turn to artificial tears.
Artificial tears may help relieve temporary dryness. However, if discomfort persists despite their use, dry eye disease should be considered.
Dry eye disease may develop because of several factors, including rapid tear evaporation, tear film instability, meibomian gland dysfunction, and inflammation of the ocular surface.
If the symptoms recur or begin to interfere with daily life, it is important to undergo a thorough examination at an eye clinic near Samsong Station and establish a treatment plan based on the underlying cause.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when the normal balance, or homeostasis, of the tear film is disrupted, resulting in eye discomfort and abnormalities of the ocular surface.
It may be caused by insufficient tear production, excessive tear evaporation, or a combination of several factors. Inflammation or damage to the surface of the eye may also occur.
Common symptoms include:
✔ Dryness or a gritty sensation
✔ Stinging or burning
✔ A foreign-body sensation, as though sand is in the eye
✔ Redness and sensitivity to light
✔ Temporary blurred vision
✔ Eyes that become tired easily
Because the symptoms can vary from person to person, recurring discomfort should be evaluated at an eye clinic near Samsong Station to identify the cause.
Why Do the Eyes Water When They Are Dry?
When the surface of the eye becomes dry, the sensory nerves may be stimulated, causing the eyes to produce more tears.
However, these reflex tears may not be sufficient to maintain a stable tear film.
The tear film consists mainly of an outer lipid layer, an aqueous layer, and a mucin component. These components work together to protect and lubricate the surface of the eye.
✅ Lipid layer
✅ Aqueous layer
✅ Mucin component
The outer lipid layer plays an important role in preventing tears from evaporating too quickly.
The meibomian glands are primarily responsible for producing this oily component.
What Are the Meibomian Glands?
The meibomian glands are oil-producing glands located in the upper and lower eyelids. They secrete the lipid component of the tear film.
An adequate supply of oil from these glands is necessary to maintain a stable tear film.
However, if the openings of the glands become blocked or the consistency of their secretions changes, the lipid layer may become unstable.
This condition is known as meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD, and is one of the major causes of evaporative dry eye disease.
What Are the Main Causes?
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
When the meibomian glands do not release oil properly, tears may evaporate more quickly and dry eye symptoms may worsen.
- Aging
As we age, changes in tear production and the function of the eyelid glands may increase dryness and eye fatigue.
- Eyelid Inflammation
Inflammation along the eyelid margins, such as blepharitis, can affect the meibomian glands and interfere with the release of oil.
- Hormonal Changes, Medications, and Systemic Conditions
Hormonal changes, certain systemic diseases, and some medications may affect the stability of the tear film.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
When using a smartphone or computer for extended periods, the blinking rate decreases. This can cause tears to evaporate more quickly and make the eyes feel dry.
For this reason, an examination at an eye clinic near Samsong Station should assess not only the symptoms but also the condition of the tear film, eyelids, and meibomian glands.
What Treatments Are Available?
✅ IPL Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, delivers a controlled range of light wavelengths to the skin around the eyes.
It may be used to treat dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction.
IPL may help reduce inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the eyelids while supporting the release of meibomian gland secretions and improving tear film stability.
✅ LipiFlow Treatment
LipiFlow is a thermal pulsation medical device used to treat meibomian gland dysfunction.
It applies controlled heat and pressure to the eyelids to help release hardened or obstructed secretions from the meibomian glands.
Lifestyle Tips to Help Reduce Recurrence and Worsening
✓ Improve Digital Device Habits
When using a computer or smartphone for an extended period, take regular breaks and look at distant objects to rest your eyes.
It is also helpful to make a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly.
✓ Avoid Excessively Dry Indoor Environments
Avoid directing air from heaters, air conditioners, or fans toward your eyes.
Maintaining an appropriate level of indoor humidity may also help reduce dryness.
✓ Apply Warm Compresses to the Eyelids
For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, appropriate warm compresses and eyelid hygiene may help release gland secretions.
However, if another condition affects the eyes or eyelids, these measures should be performed according to an ophthalmologist’s instructions.
✓ Use Prescribed Eye Drops as Directed
Eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist should be used according to the recommended dosage and treatment period.
Avoid increasing the frequency of use or discontinuing the medication without medical guidance.
