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Dry eye disease: Treatment Options in Korea

What is dry eye disease?

Dry eye happens when your eyes do not make enough tears, make the wrong kind, or the tears evaporate too quickly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that tears have three layers: an oily outer layer from the meibomian glands in the eyelids, a watery middle layer and a mucus layer.

The AAO calls meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) a leading cause of evaporative dry eye: when the eyelid glands block, the oil layer thins and tears evaporate. Other causes include ageing and hormonal change (dry eye is more common in women, especially after menopause), conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease, long screen use, contact lenses, dry climates and medicines such as antihistamines, some antidepressants and diuretics. The AAO also lists refractive surgery such as LASIK as a risk factor.

What are the symptoms?

Typical symptoms are stinging or burning, a gritty feeling, redness, blurred vision that clears when you blink, discomfort with contact lenses and, surprisingly, watery eyes, because irritation triggers reflex tearing. Symptoms that persist, worsen or affect daily life deserve an exam. A pterygium or recurrent corneal erosion can cause similar irritation; see pterygium surgery and PTK.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

An eye doctor examines the eyelids and eye surface and measures tear quality and quantity, rather than diagnosing from symptoms alone. Seoul clinics commonly run several quick tests in one visit:

• Tear break-up time: how fast the tear film breaks up after a blink
• Tear volume: such as a Schirmer strip
• Lipid layer and gland imaging: devices such as LipiView photograph the meibomian glands
• Slit-lamp exam: lid margins, gland openings and surface staining

The results show whether you mainly lack tears, lose them too fast, or both. See the eye exam in Korea guide.

Which treatments in Seoul address dry eye?

Most people need a combination of home care and in-clinic treatment, matched to the type and severity of dry eye.

How do IPL and LipiFlow help?

Both target the meibomian glands. IPL delivers light pulses to the skin below the eyes and is thought to reduce inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the lids so the glands work better; it is usually given as several sessions a few weeks apart, often with gland expression. LipiFlow heats the inner eyelids while applying gentle pulsing pressure to clear blocked glands, usually in a single session.

Neither is a permanent cure, and results vary. IPL is not suitable for all skin types, so the clinic checks your skin first. Ask how many sessions are included in a quote. A typical course of four IPL sessions in Gangnam costs roughly ₩400,000–₩600,000 depending on the clinic.

Can I have LASIK or SMILE if I have dry eye?

Often yes, once mild to moderate dry eye is controlled, but severe dry eye is a reason not to have LASIK. The AAO lists severe dry eye among the conditions that rule LASIK out, and the U.S. FDA warns that dry eye after LASIK can occasionally be severe and permanent.

Treating dry eye before surgery also improves the accuracy of the pre-op measurements. Surgeons often prefer surface treatments or SMILE, which uses a small incision, for people prone to dryness, while some advise an ICL, which does not cut corneal nerves. Discuss the options in dry eye after LASIK, SMILE vs LASIK and ICL vs LASIK.

What can I do day to day?

The AAO recommends avoiding hair dryers and very warm rooms, using a humidifier in winter, wearing wraparound glasses outdoors, and using a thicker ointment at night if you wake with dry eyes. Take regular screen breaks and blink fully. On a long flight to Seoul, carry preservative-free drops; see flying after LASIK and eye drops after LASIK.

See an ophthalmologist promptly if symptoms come with significant pain, redness or vision changes. This page is general information, not medical advice.

What should I ask a Seoul clinic about dry eye?

Dry eye care works best when the treatment matches the cause, so ask what your tests showed.

• Is my dry eye mainly evaporative, low tear volume, or both?
• How many IPL or LipiFlow sessions do you recommend, and what does the full course cost?
• Which drops should I use at home, and are they preservative-free?
• Do I need treatment before my pre-op measurements are repeated?
• Given my results, which vision correction procedure, if any, do you recommend?

Keep a simple symptom diary for a few weeks before your trip: when your eyes feel worst, what you were doing, and which drops helped. It gives the doctor useful context and makes it easier to judge whether treatment is working once you are home.

Note which medicines and supplements you take as well, since several common drugs can make dry eye worse.

Sources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology – What is dry eye?
• American Academy of Ophthalmology – LASIK: laser eye surgery
• U.S. FDA – LASIK: what are the risks?
• Modoodoc – Dry eye IPL (Gangnam clinic listing, Korean)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the best treatment for dry eye?

It depends on the cause. Mild dry eye often responds to artificial tears and lid care; dry eye from blocked meibomian glands may need IPL or LipiFlow, sometimes with prescription drops.

How much does IPL for dry eye cost in Korea?

Seoul clinics list IPL at about ₩100,000–₩150,000 per session in 2026, usually as a course of several sessions.

Can dry eye stop me having LASIK?

Severe dry eye can. Mild to moderate dry eye is often treated first, and your surgeon may suggest a procedure less likely to worsen dryness.

Is dry eye after LASIK permanent?

Usually not; most people improve over weeks to months. The FDA notes that in some cases it can be severe and permanent, which is why screening matters.

Can I combine dry eye treatment with a LASIK trip?

Yes, but it adds time. Clinics may want a few weeks of treatment before re-measuring your eyes, so ask before booking flights.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.