Last year, South Korea reported a significant uptick in dry eye syndrome cases, soaring to 2.5 million—a jump of nearly 110,000 from the previous year’s 2.385 million. As the prevalence of this condition grows, so does the awareness of complications like conjunctival concretions. Let’s dive into what causes these issues, how to prevent them, and the best treatment options available.
Many people tend to dismiss dry eye syndrome as a minor issue, but it can lead to complications like conjunctival concretions, which require attention.
The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the eyelids and the surface of the eyeball. It secretes mucus to help tears adhere to the eye and provide protection.
Conjunctival concretions are hardened deposits of calcium that form in the conjunctiva due to the degeneration of conjunctival epithelial cells and protein secretions.
Individuals who have had severe conjunctivitis, frequently use eye makeup, wear contact lenses, or have undergone LASIK or LASEK surgery are more susceptible to dry eye syndrome.
Most small concretions do not produce symptoms. If they do not cause discomfort, surgical removal is usually unnecessary.
If a concretion protrudes through the conjunctiva and causes a gritty sensation when blinking, it can damage the cornea and may need to be removed using a medical needle.
Medical professionals note that as the prevalence of dry eye syndrome rises, so does the number of individuals seeking treatment for conjunctival concretions.
The increase in dry eye syndrome can be attributed to factors such as the higher use of electronic devices from a young age and a growing population undergoing LASIK and LASEK surgeries.
Office workers are significantly affected since extended computer use can lead to less frequent blinking. This reduction interrupts the natural process of spreading tears across the eye, which can contribute to the formation of concretions.
Once conjunctival concretions develop, they often recur and require ongoing management, such as moistening the eyes with artificial tears. Therefore, taking preventive measures is crucial.
Applying warm compresses before bed can help reduce inflammation and soothe the eyes. This practice helps open blocked oil glands in the eyelids, preventing waste from hardening and promoting drainage.
If you wear makeup, ensure you thoroughly remove it from around the eyes. Besides, avoid wearing contact lenses for more than 10 hours a day or sleeping while wearing them.
Dr. Kim Jeong Hoon, an ophthalmology professor at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, explains that concretions often form in the conjunctiva of the upper and lower eyelids and may be visible when the eyelids are flipped in severe cases. He identifies dry eye syndrome as the primary cause of concretions, noting that their development can exacerbate the condition and create a vicious cycle, making prompt treatment essential.
Dr. Kim also cautions patients against trying to remove concretions themselves using hands or cotton swabs because they risk harm. He advises that scarring can be minimized when a medical professional uses a sterile needle. In cases with numerous concretions, not all may be removed at once to avoid creating larger wounds.
He further reiterates the dangers of self-treatment, emphasizing that it poses a significant risk of infection and can lead to larger scars, potentially causing even more significant discomfort than before.
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