What are the common causes of dry eye syndrome, what risk factors contribute to its development, and what are the most effective treatment options available?
About a year ago, I started noticing that my eyes felt gritty—like I had sand stuck in them, even when I hadn’t gone outside. I was spending long hours working from home, and I figured it was just screen fatigue. But things got worse. My eyes would sting, water excessively, and feel tired even in the morning. I was constantly reaching for eye drops just to get through the day.
It wasn’t until I began avoiding reading and driving at night that I realized—this wasn’t just tiredness. Something else was going on.
That’s when I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. I’d read great things about their care, especially from international patients, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang came highly recommended for his expertise in ocular surface disorders, including dry eye syndrome.
The Diagnosis
Dr. Chung ran a few painless tests, including a tear film break-up time and Schirmer’s test (to measure tear production). He explained everything so clearly, even showing me images of my eyes to help me understand what was happening.
Turns out, I had Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome—one of the most common types. My tear glands were producing enough tears, but they were evaporating too quickly due to a dysfunction in the meibomian glands (tiny oil glands along the eyelid).
Common Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome (based on Dr. Chung’s breakdown):
- Prolonged screen time (you blink less!)
- Aging, especially post-40
- Hormonal changes (very common in women)
- Contact lens overuse
- Environmental factors (dry air, AC, pollution)
- Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.
- Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome
Treatment Plan That Actually Helped
Here’s what Dr. Chung did that finally gave me long-term relief:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: This was a game-changer for my meibomian glands.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny inserts to reduce tear drainage.
- Prescription eye drops: Not just artificial tears, but ones that targeted inflammation.
- Lifestyle changes: Humidifier at home, screen breaks, warm compresses daily.
He also gave me a printed guide (in English!) tailored to my diagnosis, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic
The clinic is beautifully modern, English-friendly, and most importantly—patient-centered. Dr. Chung didn’t just treat my symptoms; he helped me understand why my eyes were dry and what I could do beyond medications. I left feeling empowered instead of overwhelmed.
Visit SNU Eye Clinic
Meet Dr. Chung Eui Sang
TL;DR
Dry eye syndrome is commonly caused by aging, screens, environment, or gland dysfunction. Treatments range from eye drops and lifestyle tweaks to in-clinic procedures like IPL or punctal plugs. I found amazing care and relief at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul with Dr. Chung Eui Sang—can’t recommend them enough!
If your eyes are crying for help (literally), don’t ignore them like I did. Get them checked. 
A few months into living in Seoul, I started waking up every morning with a strange sensation — like my eyes were coated in sandpaper. At first, I chalked it up to too much screen time (I work remotely), the city’s pollution, or even the dry air in my officetel. But it got worse: burning, blurry vision, constant redness — and I even started avoiding contact lenses altogether.
Googling “dry eye relief” just led me down a rabbit hole of over-the-counter drops and humidifiers, none of which worked long-term. That’s when I realized I needed to get this professionally checked out.
Diagnosis: Dry Eye Syndrome (and Why It Happens)
At SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul — which, by the way, is extremely foreigner-friendly and professional — I had my first real consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang. He’s an ophthalmologist with years of experience in treating eye conditions, including dry eye, and he spoke perfect English (a huge relief for me as a foreigner navigating the medical system in Korea).
He explained that dry eye syndrome happens when either:
- Your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or
- The tears you do produce evaporate too quickly or lack the right composition.
In my case, it was both. Factors like:
- Extended screen use (aka digital eye strain)
- Contact lenses
- Korean winters (super dry air)
- And even makeup clogging the meibomian glands
…were all contributing to my symptoms.
The Treatment Plan (What Actually Worked)
What impressed me at SNU Eye Clinic was how thorough they were. They ran detailed tests on my tear film, blinking patterns, and oil gland function. Then Dr. Chung created a personalized treatment plan that included:
Prescription-grade eye drops Meibomian gland cleaning (sounds gross but it helped SO much) Punctal plugs to retain moisture LED light therapy to stimulate oil glands Lifestyle tweaks (blinking exercises + screen breaks)
And honestly? Within two weeks, I started noticing a difference. A month in, I was finally able to wear contacts again without discomfort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with dry eye — whether you’re living in Korea or planning a trip — I can’t recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang enough. The care was professional, the diagnosis was spot on, and the treatments were effective. Plus, everything was explained in clear, easy-to-understand English.
SNU Eye Clinic Website Meet Dr. Chung Eui Sang
Dry eye might sound like a minor issue, but when it starts interfering with your daily life, it’s no joke. Don’t wait — get it properly treated. You deserve clear, comfortable vision.
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a prevalent condition in South Korea, especially among individuals who spend extended periods on digital devices. As a member of the ICH community, I can share that many have sought treatment for DES at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, under the expertise of Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
Dr. Chung is renowned for his comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating DES, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. Patients often commend his thoroughness and the clinic’s state-of-the-art facilities. The clinic offers a range of treatments, from artificial tears and anti-inflammatory medications to more advanced options like punctal plugs and intense pulsed light therapy. Many patients have reported significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life after treatment at SNU Eye Clinic.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of DES, such as dryness, irritation, or blurred vision, consulting with a specialist like Dr. Chung at SNU Eye Clinic could be a beneficial step toward relief.
A few months ago, I started waking up with burning, itchy eyes. By afternoon, it felt like sand was trapped behind my eyelids. I assumed it was just too much screen time. But when eyedrops stopped working and reading became a struggle, I knew something was wrong.
After some research (and failed self-treatments), I learned I had Dry Eye Syndrome — a condition caused by things like prolonged screen use, aging, environmental factors, or even underlying medical issues. Basically, my eyes weren’t producing enough quality tears to stay lubricated.
The turning point? A visit to Dr. Kim Jun-heon at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. Dr. Kim took the time to explain what was really going on with my tear film and recommended a personalized treatment plan. Within weeks, my eyes felt more comfortable than they had in years.
If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, don’t just tough it out. I highly recommend checking out Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic and booking with Dr. Kim Jun-heon.
I didn’t think much of my irritated eyes at first—just chalked it up to screen time and lack of sleep. But over time, it got worse. I’d wake up with this gritty, burning feeling, like there was sand in my eyes. By mid-afternoon, they were red, tired, and I could barely focus. Eye drops helped… for a few minutes. Then the dryness would come right back.
That’s when I decided to take it seriously.
While traveling to Seoul for a work trip, a colleague recommended Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, saying it was one of the top eye clinics in Korea, especially for foreign patients. That’s where I met Dr. Kim Jun-heon—and wow, I’m really glad I went.
After a thorough exam, Dr. Kim explained that I had chronic dry eye syndrome, caused by a mix of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and prolonged screen exposure (hello, 10-hour workdays). He also mentioned other common causes like:
- Environmental factors (air conditioning, pollution, smoke)
- Hormonal changes (especially in women)
- Aging
- Certain medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants)
- Contact lens overuse
At Joeunnun, they didn’t just throw more drops at the problem. They used advanced imaging to actually look at my tear film and oil glands. Based on my case, Dr. Kim recommended a tailored treatment plan which included:
- Thermal pulsation therapy (to unclog the oil glands)
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sessions to reduce inflammation
- Prescription-strength lubricating drops
- A lifestyle and screen-habit adjustment plan
It wasn’t a one-and-done fix—but after about a month, the difference was huge. My eyes felt clearer, I could work longer without fatigue, and I wasn’t constantly reaching for artificial tears anymore.
The best part? The clinic is super foreigner-friendly. They had English-speaking staff, helped me schedule everything smoothly, and even followed up via email after I got home.
If you’re struggling with dry eye, especially the stubborn kind, I highly recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic in Seoul. And definitely ask for Dr. Kim Jun-heon—he’s not only knowledgeable but incredibly kind and patient.
Learn more about the clinic here
Meet Dr. Kim Jun-heon
Hope this helps someone out there—don’t suffer through dry eye like I did. There is relief.
A few months ago, I started noticing that my eyes felt irritated, dry, and a bit scratchy — almost like there was something stuck in them. At first, I thought it was just from staring at my screen too long, but when the discomfort didn’t go away, I realized something more serious was at play. I did a quick search online and quickly found that these symptoms were pointing to something common yet frustrating: dry eye syndrome.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
For those who haven’t experienced it, dry eye syndrome is more than just a slight irritation. It happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep them lubricated. Symptoms include:
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness and dryness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling of something in the eye (like sand)
For me, the discomfort started out mild, but over time, it became a major hassle. I tried over-the-counter drops, but they didn’t offer much relief. I found myself constantly blinking, rubbing my eyes, and struggling to focus at work.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
I started researching why my eyes were suddenly acting up, and it turns out there are several common causes of dry eye syndrome:
- Environmental Factors – Things like air conditioning, heating, or even pollution can dry out your eyes. I live in Seoul, and the dry winters here made things worse.
- Digital Eye Strain – Spending too much time in front of a computer screen or phone, which I’m guilty of, can lead to a decrease in blink rate, resulting in dry eyes.
- Aging – As we get older, tear production naturally decreases. I was in my early 30s, and apparently, I wasn’t immune to this yet.
- Contact Lens Use – I used to wear contacts for years, which can reduce oxygen to the cornea, drying out the eyes.
- Health Conditions – Conditions like autoimmune diseases (Sjögren’s syndrome) or hormonal changes (like pregnancy or menopause) can contribute to dry eyes.
- Medications – Some medications (especially antihistamines and blood pressure meds) can have dry eyes as a side effect. I found out some of my allergy meds were probably contributing to the problem.
Finding the Right Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome
After trying over-the-counter drops and still feeling frustrated, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, which I had heard great things about. I made an appointment with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who has a solid reputation for treating complex eye issues like dry eye syndrome. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in the right place.
At SNU Eye Clinic, Dr. Chung conducted a thorough diagnostic process, which included:
- Tear film analysis: To check how much moisture my eyes were producing.
- Meibography: A special scan to check for any blockages in the oil-producing glands of my eyelids, which are crucial for maintaining a stable tear film.
- Corneal topography: To rule out any other conditions that might be affecting my vision and dryness.
Dr. Chung explained that my condition was likely a result of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye, which I had never even heard of before. He also suggested a combination of prescription anti-inflammatory drops and thermal pulsation therapy to help unblock the glands and improve my tear production.
Treatment Plan at SNU Eye Clinic
Dr. Chung didn’t just send me home with a prescription and a generic “use these drops twice a day” instruction. He developed a personalized treatment plan for me that also included:
- Environmental adjustments: Using humidifiers, taking more breaks from screens, and adjusting my workspace setup.
- Lifestyle changes: He suggested omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support tear production and gave me practical tips on reducing screen time and improving my sleep hygiene to help with eye recovery.
The clinic’s thermal pulsation therapy was the standout treatment. It uses heat and gentle pressure to massage the eyelid glands, helping them to release the oils that are essential for tear stability. After just a few sessions, I felt a noticeable improvement. The sensation of dryness and scratchiness in my eyes started to fade away, and my vision became clearer.
My Takeaway and Recommendation
If you’re suffering from dry eye syndrome — whether it’s from digital eye strain, aging, or other causes — I can highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic. Dr. Chung Eui Sang is incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and has a personalized approach to treating dry eye. The clinic itself is modern, clean, and uses some of the most advanced diagnostic tools I’ve seen.
For more information, you can check out the clinic here and Dr. Chung’s profile here.
Getting dry eye treatment was a game-changer for me, and I’m so glad I found a clinic that truly listens to your symptoms and develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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I understand the challenges of managing dry eye syndrome, especially when navigating medical care abroad. During my visit to South Korea, I sought treatment at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, renowned for its expertise in eye care. Under the guidance of Dr. Kim Jun-heon, I received a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Common Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome:
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Common causes include:
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age.[
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can accelerate tear evaporation.
- Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome can affect tear glands.
- Lifestyle Factors: Prolonged screen time and contact lens use can contribute to dry eyes.
Treatment Options:
At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, Dr. Kim Jun-heon recommended several treatments:
- Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops to provide immediate relief.
- Warm Compresses: To unblock oil glands in the eyelids.
- Prescription Medications: For more severe cases, to increase tear production.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing screen time and using humidifiers to maintain eye moisture.
For personalized care and effective management of dry eye syndrome, I highly recommend consulting with Dr. Kim Jun-heon at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. Their expertise and patient-centered approach ensure comprehensive treatment tailored to individual needs.
I’ve been dealing with dry eye syndrome for a while, and like many others, it was frustrating not knowing exactly why it was happening or how to manage it. After trying a few things on my own, I decided to see a specialist, and that’s when I learned so much about what causes dry eyes and the effective treatments available.
My Journey with Dry Eye Syndrome
I first started experiencing dry eyes in my early 30s. It started slowly: my eyes would feel scratchy, irritated, and tired by the end of the day, especially when I was staring at screens for hours. At first, I thought it was just the usual fatigue, but then it got worse. I’d wake up with gritty eyes and sometimes had trouble keeping them open in bright lights. Even though I used over-the-counter eye drops, the relief was short-lived.
That’s when I decided to visit Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic in Seoul to get a professional opinion. Dr. Kim Jun-heon is an expert in treating eye conditions like mine, and I wanted to get to the root of the problem.
Common Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dr. Kim explained that dry eye syndrome can have several underlying causes, and they often overlap. Here are some of the most common:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The oil-producing glands in our eyelids can become clogged or not function properly, leading to a lack of lubrication on the eye’s surface. This was the primary cause for me!
- Aging: As we age, our tear production naturally decreases. Women, especially during menopause, may experience a significant drop in tear production, making them more prone to dry eyes.
- Environmental Factors: Spending a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces, windy weather, or exposure to screens (which causes us to blink less) can contribute to dry eyes. I’m guilty of this—working in front of a computer all day certainly didn’t help.
- Medications: Certain medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications, can interfere with tear production.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune conditions can cause the immune system to attack the tear glands, leading to dryness.
- Contact Lenses: I wore contact lenses for years, and Dr. Kim pointed out that wearing them for prolonged periods can disrupt tear film and contribute to dryness.
How Can Dry Eye Syndrome Be Treated?
Dr. Kim didn’t just give me a generic treatment plan—he took the time to explain what was happening with my eyes and how we could treat it effectively. Here’s what he recommended, and I’ve since seen remarkable improvement:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: This is a non-invasive treatment that targets the meibomian glands to help improve oil production. It’s been a game-changer for me, as my glands were clogged, and this treatment helped clear them up. The relief was almost immediate after my first session, and I’m now going through a few more sessions to maintain long-term results.
- Artificial Tears: While they’re not a permanent solution, high-quality eye drops can help lubricate the eyes and provide temporary relief. Dr. Kim recommended some specific brands that are more effective than the typical drugstore variety.
- Punctal Plugs: For people who don’t get enough relief from artificial tears, punctal plugs are a more permanent solution. These tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture in the eyes. While I didn’t need this option, it’s something Dr. Kim mentioned as being effective for severe cases.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Dr. Kim also advised me on making small lifestyle changes. He suggested using a humidifier at home, particularly during dry weather, and taking frequent screen breaks to avoid eye strain.
- Prescription Medications: For more severe cases, there are prescription medications that can help increase tear production. Dr. Kim talked about Restasis (a popular eye drop) and Xiidra, both of which are used to reduce inflammation and promote tear production.
Final Thoughts
I’m so grateful for my experience at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. Dr. Kim Jun-heon and his team were incredibly thorough and compassionate, helping me get my dry eyes under control. It’s amazing how such a common condition can be managed with the right approach and the latest treatments like IPL therapy.
If you’re struggling with dry eye syndrome and want a personalized treatment plan, I highly recommend checking out Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. You can read more about Dr. Kim here: Dr. Kim Jun-heon
I asked about this at Jryn Eye Clinic, and they gave a really clear breakdown. Dry eye syndrome is super common and can be caused by:
- Screen overuse (blinking less while using phones/computers)
- Aging (especially in women over 40)
- Contact lens wear
- Environmental factors like dry air or wind
- Hormonal changes or certain medications
- Underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases
At Jryn, they offer both basic and advanced treatments. For mild cases, they’ll recommend artificial tears, lifestyle changes, and eye hygiene routines. For more persistent cases, they use things like prescription eye drops, meibomian gland treatment, or even Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy to improve tear quality.
They do a full evaluation first to figure out the exact cause, which really helps target the treatment properly.
Hey friends
I wanted to chime in here because I struggled with dry eye syndrome for over a year before I finally got some real answers and relief. If you’re dealing with that gritty, burning, tired-eye feeling (especially after screen time), I feel you. It can seriously mess with your focus, comfort, and even your sleep.
So here’s a little about my journey—and where I finally found help: Jryn Eye Clinic in Seoul.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
When I had my first consultation with Dr. Sang Youp Han at Jryn, he explained that dry eye isn’t just “not enough tears”—it’s usually a mix of factors. Some of the most common causes are:
- Too much screen time (guilty ) → we blink less!
- Contact lens overuse
- Aging – tear production naturally slows down
- Environmental factors like heaters, air con, or pollution
- Underlying conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (this was my issue!)
- Hormonal changes, especially for women What surprised me most was how many people walk around not knowing their eye fatigue or blurry vision is actually from dry eye.
How Can It Be Treated?
Here’s where things turned around for me. Jryn Eye Clinic takes a personalized approach—no one-size-fits-all drops and “come back in a month” advice. During my visit, I had a full tear film analysis and meibography done by Dr. Heo Joong Gu, and they mapped out exactly where the dryness was coming from. Treatment options included:
- Prescription eye drops (not just over-the-counter)
- Punctal plugs to keep natural tears from draining too quickly
- LipiFlow treatment to unclog meibomian glands (this helped so much)
- Lifestyle changes – screen break tips, humidifier use, omega-3 supplements After about 2 months, I was sleeping better, my vision wasn’t going blurry at the end of the day, and I could actually wear contacts again without discomfort
The Doctors at Jryn I Trust
All three of the doctors here are top-tier and super kind:
- Dr. Sang Youp Han
- Dr. Heo Joong Gu
- Dr. Lee Jae Jung They’re fluent in English and really take the time to walk you through your options—no rushed appointments.
Why I Recommend Jryn Eye Clinic
The clinic is located in Gangnam and feels more like a boutique med-spa than a hospital—super modern, clean, and comfortable. They even helped me with a treatment schedule that worked around my work-from-home days. Total lifesavers. Website: https://www.jryneyeclinic.com If you’ve been dealing with dry eyes and just brushing it off—don’t! It’s 100% treatable and getting the right help can make a massive difference. Feel free to reply or message me if you want to know more about my treatment timeline!