DRY EYE

Dry Eye

A very common condition in the age of smartphones and computers.

Written & reviewed by

Dr. Atsushi MekadaBoard-certified Ophthalmologist, The Japanese Ophthalmological Society

Last updated:

About Dry Eye

For anyone troubled by dry eye symptoms

Dry eye occurs when tear volume is insufficient or tear quality declines, causing the surface of the eye to dry out. It has become extremely common due to the widespread use of smartphones and computers. An unstable tear film affects not only dryness but also how clearly you see.

Symptoms

  • Dryness or a gritty feeling
  • Eyes tire easily
  • Eye pain after long screen use
  • Blurring by evening
  • Discomfort with contact lenses
  • Pain when exposed to wind

An uneven tear film can make it harder to focus and increase sensitivity to glare. It's often dismissed as simple eye fatigue, but for the health of your cornea, please consult us early if you notice these symptoms.

Treatment

  • Artificial tearsThe basic treatment — eye drops that supplement insufficient tears.
  • Hyaluronic acid eye dropsProtect the surface of the eye and prevent dryness.
  • Tear quality/secretion-improving dropsImprove tear quality or promote tear secretion.
  • Punctal plugsConsidered for severe cases — a small silicone plug is placed in the tear duct opening to keep tears on the eye's surface longer.
Illustration of dry eye treatment

Ongoing Care

  • Blink consciously: blinking tends to decrease during digital device use, so make an effort to blink regularly.
  • Screen distance: keep at least 40cm from the screen, with the screen positioned so your gaze angles slightly downward.
  • Take breaks: try the rule of looking at something far away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of work.
  • Humidify the room: keep air conditioning airflow away from your eyes directly, and use a humidifier to maintain humidity.
  • Eye care: warming the eyes with a hot compress can sometimes help.

A Note From the Director

“Just dry eyes” is often how people think of it, but corneal health is protected through everyday care built up over time. We suggest care routines suited to each patient's lifestyle that are easy to keep up. If anything feels uncomfortable, please don't hesitate to consult us.

Related Pages

Please note: The effects of the treatments described on this page vary between individuals, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. The severity and course of your condition will be explained by your doctor after examination.

Access, Appointments & Visiting Us

We do not take phone appointments for either first or follow-up visits. No appointment is needed — patients are seen in the order they arrive during our consultation hours. If a doctor determines during your visit that a detailed examination is needed, we will arrange the next appointment for you before you leave.

We welcome patients from Hikone and across Shiga Prefecture, as well as from Kyoto City, Takatsuki and Hirakata (Osaka), and the Nagoya (Aichi) area.

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