‘Artificial Tears’, something that most modern people have used at least once in their lifetime. While many people use artificial tears in their daily lives, how many actually know the correct way to use them?
On the 12th, in celebration of the ’53rd Eye Day’, the Korean Ophthalmological Society provided guidance on the correct use of artificial tears to prevent dry eye syndrome.
The Korean Ophthalmological Society has designated the week from the 9th to the 15th of this month as ‘Eye Love Week’, encouraging the correct use of artificial tears for the treatment and prevention of dry eye syndrome under the slogan ‘Dry Eye Syndrome, Lifelong Eye Care is Needed’. Every second Thursday of October is ‘Eye Day’, designated by the Korean Ophthalmological Society, which continuously provides various information about eyes to protect the eye health of the nation.
According to the Korean Ophthalmological Society, the most important thing in the correct use of artificial tears is not to ‘overuse’ them.Artificial tears are used as a common treatment for dry eye syndrome as they supplement natural tears and also have a therapeutic effect. However, using artificial tears that do not match the condition of the eyes can worsen eye health, so caution is needed. Even if artificial tears without preservatives are frequently used, it can dilute beneficial enzymes and ingredients, damaging the ocular surface and exacerbating dryness.
Also, it may miss the appropriate treatment time for other eye diseases such as conjunctivitis. In order to prevent damage caused by overuse of artificial tears, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist, get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor, and use artificial tears that suit the condition and cause of the eyes.
Jong-Soo Lee, the director of the Korean Ophthalmological Society, emphasized, “The Korean Ophthalmological Society is conducting various activities to inform the importance of prevention and treatment of dry eye syndrome, which has become a chronic disease of modern people, to protect the eye health of the nation,” and “In cases of overuse of preservative-free disposable artificial tears, one of the treatments for dry eye syndrome, eye health can deteriorate, so it is necessary to use them correctly.”
Dry eye syndrome is an eye disease that occurs when there is a lack of tears or excessive evaporation of tears. Recently, the number of patients is increasing due to various causes such as frequent use of electronic devices like mobile phones, computers, and laser corneal refractive surgery.
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of domestic patients who visited medical institutions for dry eye syndrome reached 2.68 million in 2019. Dry eye syndrome is a disease that many modern people suffer from, so it is easy to take lightly. If dry eye syndrome is not treated early and is neglected, it can lead to secondary eye diseases such as keratitis and even blindness, so active treatment is needed from the onset of the disease.
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