“Dry eyes,” “a gritty sensation,” “easily fatigued”
Have you ever experienced these symptoms?

In recent years, the increasing amount of time spent using smartphones and computers has led to a rise in the number of people suffering from dry eye.
Dry eye is not simply “dryness of the eyes”—it is a condition in which an imbalance in tear production damages the surface of the eyes, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

When symptoms of dry eye are mild, they are tended to be overlooked as “just tired eyes,” but if left untreated, they can sometimes have a significant impact on your quality of life (QOL).

In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for dry eye.

【Main Symptoms of Dry Eye】
Dry eye may present with the following symptoms:

• – Dry eyes
• – A gritty sensation in the eyes
• – Eyes that tire easily
• – Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
• – Frequent redness in the eyes
• – Blurred vision
• – Discomfort or difficulty wearing contact lenses

【Why Does Dry Eye Occur? — Not Just “Quantity” but “Quality” of Tears Matters】
Tears are not simply water; they are a well-balanced mixture of water, oil, and mucus that protects the surface of the eyes.

However, factors such as:

• – Prolonged use of computers and smartphones
• – Aging
• – Contact lens wear
• – Indoor dryness caused by air conditioning
• – Lack of sleep
• – Stress

can disrupt the tear balance, making the eye surface more prone to dryness.

In particular, during smartphone or computer use, the frequency of blinking decreases, which is why modern people are said to be in an environment that makes them more susceptible to dry eye.

【The Relationship Between Contact Lenses and Dry Eye】
People who wear contact lenses tend to be more prone to experiencing dry eye symptoms.

In particular, the following symptoms are very common:

• – The lenses feel dry
• – A sticky or adherent sensation
• – Discomfort worsens toward the evening
• – Inability to wear the lenses for long periods

Moreover, forcing yourself to continue wearing contact lenses may lead to fine scratches on the surface of the eyes or cause inflammation.

【What Happens If Dry Eye Is Left Untreated?】
In mild cases, you may only feel some discomfort. However, if the condition worsens, it may lead to:

• – Severe pain
• – Chronic redness
• – Corneal damage
• – Decreased vision
• – Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Do not dismiss it as “just eye fatigue.” If symptoms persist, it is recommended to have an eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

【Dry Eye Examination】
At an eye clinic, the following factors are examined to thoroughly assess the condition of dry eye:

• – Tear volume
• – Tear film stability
• – Presence of damage on the eye’s surface

By understanding not only the symptoms but also the cause and severity of the condition, a treatment plan tailored to each individual is selected.

【Treatment Methods for Dry Eye】
● Eye Drops
The most common treatment is eye drop therapy.
In addition to tear-replenishing eye drops, treatment may also include:

• – Eye drops that improve tear quality
• – Eye drops that reduce inflammation

The choice of treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific symptoms.

● Change Lifestyle
Reevaluating your daily habits is also very important.
Key points for managing dry eye include:

• – Blink consciously and more frequently
• – Avoid prolonged use of computers and smartphones
• – Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• – Get enough sleep
• – Reduce the use of contact lenses

Even small improvements in daily habits may help reduce symptoms.

【For Those Who Find Contact Lenses Uncomfortable – Vision Correction as an Option】Patients who suffer from dry eyes caused by contact lenses can consider undergoing vision correction surgery.

In particular, ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a vision correction procedure that does not remove corneal tissue, and is therefore considered to have a lesser impact on dry eye compared to LASIK.

“Wearing contact lenses is uncomfortable.”
“I want to be free from the daily feeling of dryness.”
If you have these concerns, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist.

【Summary】
Dry eye is an extremely common eye condition among modern people.
However, many people tend to put up with it, thinking:

• – “It’s just eye fatigue”
• – “It’s because of my age”
• – “I wear contact lenses, so it can’t be helped”

If you experience persistent dryness or discomfort in your eyes, it is important to see an ophthalmologist early and receive appropriate treatment.
To maintain comfortable vision, don’t overlook the signs your eyes are giving you.