[Click! Health] 8 out of 10 Koreans Have 'Ankugonjojeung'... Could Potentially Lead to Blindness

Eight out of ten people in the nation are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, indicating an increasing risk of this condition.

According to the Korean Ophthalmological Society on the 4th, 81.0% of adults nationwide reported experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome such as eye dryness, stinging, redness, foreign body sensation, pain, and decreased vision. This survey was conducted under the name "2023 Public Awareness Survey on Dry Eye Syndrome" last September by the Korean Ophthalmological Society in collaboration with Makesian Healthcare, targeting 500 adults aged 20 to 60 across the country to investigate public awareness of dry eye syndrome prevention and treatment.

With so many people reporting symptoms, and the increase not only among the elderly but also younger generations, the Ophthalmological Society analyzed that various factors such as prolonged use of electronic devices, increased use of heating and cooling systems, and fine dust have contributed to this trend.

A significant proportion also recognized dry eye syndrome as a condition requiring treatment. 67.8% of all respondents answered that treatment is necessary, with the highest agreement among those in their 50s and 60s who emphasized the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, younger generations were more likely to respond that special treatment is not necessary.

Regarding the fact that cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration?diseases that can cause blindness?are often discovered alongside dry eye syndrome diagnosis, 61.6% of respondents were unaware. This indicates that awareness of the possibility of other blinding diseases being detected during dry eye diagnosis is relatively low compared to the recognition of the need for treatment.

As for methods of treatment and prevention of dry eye syndrome, 54.2% reported purchasing artificial tears at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, while only 14.8% used treatment agents according to the cause. Notably, 38.8% responded that they did not know the ingredients of the artificial tears they use, suggesting a careless attitude toward the treatment and prevention of dry eye syndrome.

If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can expand into secondary eye diseases such as keratitis and, in severe cases, may lead to blindness, making early diagnosis and active treatment crucial. Additionally, misuse or overuse of artificial tears without a doctor's diagnosis can further deteriorate eye health, so caution is necessary.

Lee Jong-su, Director of the Korean Ophthalmological Society, stated, "With the recent surge in electronic device usage, cases of dry eye syndrome are gradually increasing not only among the elderly but also among younger generations. Young people should not be complacent, as worsening symptoms can cause damage to the eye surface and increase the risk of secondary infections. Therefore, it is very important to receive appropriate treatment based on an accurate diagnosis as early as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.