Ophthalmology · Oriental Medicine for Dry Eye
Dry Eye Syndrome · Xerophthalmia · Eye Dryness· Dry Eye Syndrome
Incheon Songdo Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic
인공눈물로 안 잡히는 눈의 뻑뻑함, 몸속 진액을 채워 차근차근 회복합니다.
Do artificial tears only provide temporary relief, and does the stiffness return within 5 minutes even after applying drops?If you only hear 'it's aging' or 'it's from using your smartphone too much' at the ophthalmologist and are just increasing your use of artificial tears, this page may be the answer.
안구건조증은 단순히 눈의 문제가 아니라 몸속 진액이 고갈되었다는 신호예요. 백록담은 눈을 말리는 주된 원인인 '속열'과 '진액 부족'을 한약으로 다스립니다.
Key disease information at a glance
- Other names
- Dry eye syndrome, Baek-sap (白澁), Mok-sap
- Hanja
- 眼球乾燥症 (Eye, Ball, Dry, Dry)
- Classification
- Ophthalmology · Other Korean medicine diseases
- Main symptoms
- Eye stinging · stiffness · foreign body sensation · tearing
- Possible accompaniments
- Headache · Chronic fatigue · Congestion · Shoulder stiffness
- Diagnosis
- 문진·맥진·설진, 신체 열감과 진액 상태 파악
- Treatment
- Herbal medicine centered (Restoring the eye's self-regenerative power)
- General treatment period
- Approximately 3 months. Chronic or menopausal cases may take longer
- 진료 방식
- 상태에 따라 대면·비대면 여부를 의료진이 판단
증상부터 생활관리까지
안구건조증의 세부 안내를 확인하세요
Commonly heard in the clinic
Many patients visit using these expressions
Even after using artificial tears, they feel dry again within 5 minutes
It feels gritty, as if there is sand in my eyes
By the afternoon, my eyes are so fatigued that it's hard to keep them open
I feel embarrassed because my tears stream down whenever the wind blows
My eyes feel like they're popping out, and I feel a sensation of heat
When I wake up, my eyes are stuck together and hard to open
Since menopause, I feel like both my body and eyes are drying up
My eyes sting after looking at the monitor for just a bit, so I turn my head away
It's frustrating that the ophthalmologist just says it's due to aging
My eyes are so sensitive that the glare is severe
Eye redness worsens when I am stressed
Wearing lenses became so painful that I gave up
The muscles around my eyes feel stiff and I even have a headache
I want to live comfortably without using artificial tears
My vision is blurry, and even with reading glasses, the letters look smeared
When air conditioner or heater air hits my eyes, it feels like they are tearing apart
These are expressions frequently heard in the clinic. If this sounds like you, you may want to suspect dry eye syndrome.
Consult via telehealth →What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is discomfort caused by a lack of tears or excessive evaporation. However, in Korean medicine, this is not seen simply as a 'lack of water in the eyes' but'Depletion of Jin-yeok (Body Fluids)'as.
Jin-yeok refers to all moisture and nutrients in our body. When this becomes deficient, it's not just the eyes that dry out, but the mouth and skin as well. In particular, the liver is believed to govern the eyes; if the liver's blood becomes deficient, the eyes do not receive proper nutrition and become stiff.
Even in the Dongui Bogam, a classic of Korean medicine,'Baeksap (White Grittiness)'the symptom of gritty eyes was treated as important. It warned against the phenomenon where 'fire' energy rising to the upper body dries up the tears.
In Western medical diagnosis,Dry Eye Syndrome이라 불리며, 눈물막의 불안정성과 염증을 동반하는 다인성 질환으로 정의해요. 인공눈물은 보조적인 수단일 뿐, 눈물층의 건강을 회복하는 것이 중요합니다.
There is always a reason why eyes become dry. Usually,Accumulation of various lifestyle factorsit manifests as.
안구건조증 주요 원인, 어떻게 누적되는가
- 1 Excessive use of digital devices
Focusing on a screen reduces the blink rate, causing tears to evaporate more quickly (VDT syndrome)
- 2 호르몬 변화 (갱년기)
A decrease in female hormones causes dryness of mucous membranes throughout the body, and the eyes are often the first to react
- 3 만성 스트레스와 화병
Stress generates heat in the body, which rises and evaporates moisture from the eyes
- 4 Decrease in bodily fluids due to aging
As you age, the body's ability to retain moisture decreases, and the actual production of tears is reduced
- 5 Ophthalmic surgeries such as LASIK and LASEK
Corneal nerves may be stimulated during the surgical process, making the tear secretion control function more sensitive
Dry eye syndrome is more than just a feeling of 'dryness'Various types of painit is accompanied by.
안구건조증 주요 증상, 환자가 실제로 느끼는 것들
Direct ocular symptoms
- 뻑뻑함과 이물감, 눈에 모래가 굴러가는 것 같거나 껄끄러워요
- 눈 시림과 통증, 눈이 시려서 뜨고 있기 힘들고 빠질 듯 아파요
- 역설적인 눈물 흘림, 속은 건조한데 자극을 받으면 오히려 눈물이 줄줄 흘러요
- 시야 흐림, 글자가 번져 보이고 초점이 잘 안 맞아요
- 열감과 충혈, 눈이 화끈거리고 핏발이 자주 서요
Systemic accompanying symptoms
- Chronic headache and dizziness
- Stiff tension in the shoulders and back of the neck
- Extreme systemic fatigue and lethargy
- Decreased sleep quality (difficulty falling asleep due to eye discomfort)
Eye fatigueNervous system and musclesalso affects. These are a set of symptoms that patients frequently complain of.
If these symptoms occur together, treating only the eyes is not enough; the overall energy of the body must be examined.
Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome, Baekrokdam's Approach
Summary, 눈에 물을 넣어주는 게 아니라, 몸이 눈물을 만들어내게 하는 게 핵심이거든요. 한약으로 진액을 채우고 열을 내리는 것이 가장 원인을 살피는 길이에요.
Why Baekrokdam focuses on herbal medicine
The goal of herbal medicine is not just to suppress surface symptoms, but to create a body that can recover on its own without medication.
Dry eye syndromeIt is not a simple lack of moisture. Artificial tears provide temporary moisture from the outside, so they dry up quickly. In contrast, herbal medicine balances the tear film and improves blood flow around the eyes to create an environment where the eyes can maintain moisture on their own.
Herbal medicine aims to supplement the blood of the liver (肝) and lower the deficiency heat of the upper body.If artificial tears are 'temporary supplementation,' herbal medicine is closer to 'restoring self-regenerative power.' The goal is to maintain a comfortable state for the eyes even after stopping the medication.
Why it does not show up well in tests
Tests look at values and structures, but the essence is often a 'body imbalance' that is not easily captured by tests.
What ophthalmological exams look at isThe amount of tears and surface woundsthe case. However, the essence of dry eye syndrome isThe quality of the tear film and nerve sensitivitythat while the amount of tears may be sufficient, they evaporate quickly, or the corneal nerves become too sensitive, causing pain even with small stimuli—things that general exams cannot fully show.
Therefore, the phrase "normal on the test" does not mean "the patient is not in pain". The stiffness and stinging you feel are clear signals from your body. We must use Oriental medicine diagnosis to identify the depletion of body fluids and the flow of heat, areas that tests cannot see.
그래서 어떻게 치료하느냐, 백록담의 방식
문진·맥진·복진으로 전신을 살피고, 한약으로 주된 원인을 함께 풀어가요.
We don't just look at the eyesThe entire human bodywe look at the whole. We find where the culprit drying out the eyes is located through an in-depth conversation.
- Tongue Diagnosis (舌診), 혀의 상태를 통해 몸의 진액이 얼마나 말랐는지, 심장이나 간에 열이 차 있는지 확인합니다
- Pulse Diagnosis (脈診), 맥의 흐름으로 장부의 허실을 파악하여 처방의 강도를 조절합니다
- Medical Inquiry (問診), 수면 패턴, 스트레스 정도, 갱년기 여부, 디지털 기기 사용 환경을 꼼꼼히 체크합니다. 인공눈물 사용 이력도 중요해요
Based on this diagnosisReplenishing fluids, regulating heat, and improving blood circulationI prescribe herbal medicine that simultaneously performs. The eyes are an organism connected to the five viscera and six organs of our body. When the body becomes healthy, the eyes naturally become clear and moist. This is the essence of Oriental ophthalmology treatment.
Differentiation of dry eye syndrome observed in clinical practice
Dry eye syndrome also varies depending on the cause. It is largely divided into four types; which one applies to you?
Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency type肝腎陰虛
Those whose eyes are dim and dry because the body's moisture has dried up due to aging or chronic fatigue
Treatment direction: Nourishing Yin and Tonifying the Kidney (滋陰補腎)
Heart Fire Excess type心火旺盛
Those with severe stress, a feeling of heat in the eyes, and frequent congestion
Treatment direction: Clearing the Heart and Draining Fire (淸心瀉火)
Liver Blood Deficiency type肝血虛
Those who feel easily fatigued and experience declining vision due to lack of nutritional supply to the eyes
Treatment direction: Tonifying Blood and Brightening the Eyes (補血明目)
Wind-Heat and External Dampness type風熱外襲
외부 환경이나 알레르기에 민감해 눈이 가렵고 갑자기 건조해지는 분
Treatment direction: Expelling Wind and Clearing Heat (祛風淸熱)
Depending on the patient's condition, these types may appear mixed. Therefore,Regular consultationsthe process of finely adjusting the prescription through is absolutely necessary.
Step-by-step progress of dry eye syndrome treatment
Below is the common recovery flow observed in those receiving herbal medicine treatment at Baekrokdam.
- 1개월 차, 열을 내리고 진액 공급 시작
This is the stage where heat concentrated in the upper body is cooled and deficient moisture begins to be replenished.
- Burning sensations or extreme heat in the eyes decrease first
- The intervals between using artificial tears gradually begin to lengthen
- Fatigue that was more severe in the afternoon than in the morning is alleviated
- 2~3개월 차, 눈물막 안정과 자생력 회복
This is the period when the eyes develop the strength to maintain moisture on their own.
- Foreign body sensation and the feeling of sand rolling in the eyes are significantly reduced
- Tearing decreases even when exposed to wind, and eye irritation becomes more comfortable
- Accompanying symptoms such as headaches or shoulder stiffness improve together
- 3~4개월 차, 체질 안정 및 재발 방지
This is the final stage to make the body remember the recovered state.
- The goal is to make daily life possible without the use of artificial tears
- Eye fatigue decreases, leading to improved concentration at work
- The constitution is strengthened to withstand even dry environments
Treatment progress may vary depending on individual condition and lifestyle habits.
Long-term chronic patients: For those who have suffered for more than 5 years or have severe post-LASIK complicationsLong-term treatment of 6 months or moremay be necessary. Since the roots are deep, the constitution must be changed slowly but surely.
진료를 더 구체적으로 시작하려면
안구건조증 진료 전에 준비하면 좋은 정보
검사·진료 자료
기존 검사·진료 자료가 있다면: 안구건조증과 관련해 받은 안과 눈물검사·각막검사 결과와 사용 중인 안약·렌즈·시술 기록
복용 중인 약
현재 복용 중인 약은 처방전·약 봉투·약 이름 사진 또는 복용 목록으로, 건강기능식품과 함께 정리해 주세요
증상과 변화
관찰해 오면 좋은 변화: 건조·이물감·통증의 시간대와 화면 사용·수면·환경에 따른 변화.
증상 예시 자세히 보기
안구건조증과 관련해 느끼는 증상(뻑뻑함과 이물감, 눈에 모래가 굴러가는 것 같거나 껄끄러워요·눈 시림과 통증, 눈이 시려서 뜨고 있기 힘들고 빠질 듯 아파요·역설적인 눈물 흘림, 속은 건조한데 자극을 받으면 오히려 눈물이 줄줄 흘러요)의 빈도와 강도도 함께 적어 주세요
이전 치료 반응
이전 치료의 반응: 치료명과 기간, 좋아진 점·남은 불편·중단한 이유·이상반응, 다시 악화된 시점을 함께 적어 주세요
이전 치료 뒤에도 불편이 남거나 다시 반복되나요? 지금까지 받은 검사·치료와 그 뒤 달라진 점을 적어 주세요. 거리가 있어 내원이 쉽지 않아도 먼저 문의하시면 의료진이 대면·비대면 중 적합한 진료 방식을 안내합니다.
Diseases often confused with dry eye syndrome
Not all eye discomfort is the same type of dry eye. It must be accurately distinguished for proper treatment.
A condition where oil glands become blocked and inflamed. It often occurs with dry eye syndrome, but itching and swelling around the eyelids are more characteristic.
An autoimmune disease that causes extreme dryness not only in the eyes but also in the mouth. It requires more intensive fluid-replenishing treatment than general dry eye syndrome.
The primary symptom is 'itching' rather than dryness. If the eyes are swollen and sticky discharge is present, conjunctivitis should be suspected.
A complex set of symptoms caused by excessive use of digital devices. Since it is accompanied by musculoskeletal pain as well as dry eye, lifestyle correction is essential.
This occurs when near objects are not visible due to a decrease in the lens's focusing power. Since dry eye syndrome makes presbyopia symptoms feel more severe, they should be treated together.
Dry eye syndrome treatment reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Eye Syndrome
안구건조증에 좋은 음식은 무엇인가요?
물을 규칙적으로 마시고 생선·견과 등 오메가3 식품을 균형 있게 먹을 수 있지만 음식이 안구 표면 치료를 대신하지는 않아요. 고용량 보충제는 항응고제 등과 상호작용을 확인해야 하며, 백록담에서는 간혈허·음허·상열과 수면·소화·눈 피로를 함께 관리합니다.
How does Korean medicine view dry eye syndrome?
In Korean medicine, this is called 'Baeksap (白澁)'. It means a gritty feeling, as if sand has entered the eye. We believe that dryness occurs not simply due to a problem with the tear glands, but when bodily fluids are depleted or when the energy of the liver (肝) stagnates, causing heat to rise. In other words, the eyes are the result, and the cause lies in the body's internal imbalance.
My ophthalmology tests show no abnormalities, so why do I feel so much pain?
Even if the test values are within the normal range, the discomfort the patient feels is real. This is likely because the quality of the tear film has decreased or the nerves on the ocular surface have become hypersensitive. The core of Korean medicine treatment is to manage 'functional decline' and 'sensory sensitivity' that are not captured by numerical values.
I am using artificial tears; can I take herbal medicine at the same time?
Of course. We recommend using artificial tears in parallel at first, and then gradually reducing the frequency of use as the eyes regain the strength to retain tears through the administration of herbal medicine. Rather than forcing a cessation, we aim for a natural transition as the body recovers.
How long should I expect the treatment period to be?
Generally, there is an intensive treatment period of about 3 months. However, those whose symptoms overlap with menopause, those who have suffered chronically for more than 5 years, or those with severe sequelae after LASIK/LASEK may require consistent management for more than 6 months. We adjust the treatment by monitoring changes on a monthly basis.
Is non-face-to-face consultation available?
네, 가능합니다. 백록담은 비대면 진료 시스템을 갖추고 있어, 직접 오시기 힘든 직장인이나 지방 거주자분들도 전화 상담을 통해 진료 후 처방이 결정되면 조제·수령 방법을 안내드립니다.
What is the difference between herbal medicine and eye supplements?
While supplements fill in missing nutrients, herbal medicine focuses on 'why the eyes became dry.' We identify and correct the constitutional cause of the patient, whether it is heat due to stress or a lack of bodily fluids due to aging. The difference is that the goal is recovery, not just supplementation.
Are dry eye syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca the same disease?
Dry eye syndrome is a general term for discomfort caused by a lack of tears or rapid evaporation, whereas keratoconjunctivitis sicca refers to a state accompanied by inflammatory changes in the cornea and conjunctiva. In a broad sense, they belong to a similar category, but in Korean medicine, this is viewed as a state where the fluids of the eye have dried up, making it important to examine the imbalance of the internal organs. A systemic perspective is needed to help recover from eye fatigue beyond simple hydration.
Is the feeling of sand in my eyes or the stinging sensation caused by dry eye syndrome?
A foreign body sensation, as if sand is rolling in the eyes, or stinging are very typical signs of dry eye syndrome. When the tear film becomes unstable, the eyes become sensitive to external stimuli, leading to a feeling of heat in the eyes or severe stiffness upon waking up. Many patients visit us because artificial tears are ineffective; in such cases, Oriental medical care that helps the circulation of Qi and blood around the eyes and reduces internal heat can be helpful.
Other conditions to consider alongside dry eye syndrome
These are the clinical departments at Baekrokdam that are beneficial to manage alongside dry eye syndrome.
근거와 검토 정보
안구건조증 안내에 참고한 자료
아래 자료는 질환의 일반적인 정의·증상·검사·안전 기준을 확인하는 데 사용했습니다. 백록담의 진료 관점은 이 자료의 결론을 그대로 옮긴 것이 아니며, 개인에게 적용할 때는 진찰과 검사 결과를 함께 봐야 합니다.
콘텐츠 검토 기준일:
- 국가한의임상정보포털(NCKM), 한의표준임상진료지침
이 자료에서 확인한 범위근거와 환자 상태를 함께 보는 한의 진료지침의 역할과 기존 의학적 치료에 한의 진료를 추가하는 통합적 의사결정 원칙
- 미국 국립안연구소(NEI), 안구건조증
이 자료에서 확인한 범위인공눈물·처방 점안제·환경 조정·눈물점 마개와 원인별 치료, 심한 건조의 각막 위험
- MedlinePlus, Dry Eye Syndrome
이 자료에서 확인한 범위눈물막·마이봄샘 문제와 환경·렌즈·약물·수술 관련성
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 의료기관·전문단체의 일반 의학정보를 확인하기 위한 자료
함께 보면 좋은 문서
다음으로 보면 좋은 자료
현재 보고 있는 문서Dry Eye Syndrome
관련 주제와 진료 정보를 이어서 확인하면 이해가 더 빠릅니다.
이 페이지의 요약과 검수 정보
검수 의료진
최연승 한의사 Chief Director
페이지 요약
안구건조증은 눈물의 양이나 질이 부족해 뻑뻑함·화끈거림·이물감과 일시적인 시야 흐림이 생기는 질환입니다. 화면 사용·갱년기·과로·스트레스·안과 수술의 영향을 살피고 안검염·쇼그렌증후군·알레르기성 결막염과 구분합니다.
이 페이지가 다루는 내용
- 무엇을 설명하나요
- 인공눈물을 넣어도 금방 눈이 뻑뻑해지는 이유는 무엇인가요?
- 어떤 상황을 다루나요
- 눈 마름·이물감·충혈과 시야 흐림이 반복되고 화면 사용 때 악화되는 분을 위한 내용입니다.
- 무엇을 구별해서 보나요
- 일시적인 눈 피로와 달리 지속되는 건조는 눈물막의 질·신경 민감도와 전신 건조질환을 함께 살핍니다.
- 어떻게 이해하면 되나요
- 건조함보다 가려움과 부기가 두드러지면 안검염이나 알레르기성 결막염을, 입안까지 심하게 마르면 쇼그렌 증후군을 구분해야 합니다.
핵심 내용
- 안구건조증은 눈물이 부족하거나 지나치게 빨리 증발해 생기는 불편함입니다.
- 뻑뻑함·이물감·눈 시림과 함께 일시적인 시야 흐림이 나타날 수 있습니다.
- 안검염은 안구건조증과 함께 나타날 수 있지만 눈꺼풀 주위 가려움과 부기가 더 특징적입니다.