[KoK! Health] There Is a 'Stone' in My Eye... Beware of Conjunctival Concretions

Eyes Feel Dry and Gritty
Conjunctivitis and Dry Eye Syndrome Are Causes
Relieve Eye Strain with Adequate Rest

#Ms. Ohmo (33, female), who lives in Seoul, is a graphic designer who usually spends long hours looking at monitors. Recently, she felt a gritty and uncomfortable sensation in her eyes, as if sand had gotten in whenever she blinked. Ms. Ohmo thought it was simple dry eye syndrome and did not take it seriously, frequently using artificial tears. However, when the pain and foreign body sensation in her eyes became so severe that she could not sleep, she visited a hospital and was eventually diagnosed with conjunctival concretions.

Conjunctival concretions. [Photo by Korea University Anam Hospital]

According to Korea University Anam Hospital on the 16th, the conjunctiva is a transparent mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball, located at the outermost part of the sclera. The conjunctiva secretes mucus to help tears stay on the surface of the eye and serves to protect the eyeball.

Conjunctival concretions form when chronic inflammation of the ocular surface, such as conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome, causes degeneration of conjunctival epithelial cells and protein secretions. They mainly develop under the conjunctiva of the eyelids and, despite the term "concretion," are not actually hard.

Most conjunctival concretions are asymptomatic. However, if the concretions become exposed outside the conjunctiva, the eyes may feel dry and irritated, become easily bloodshot, and experience a foreign body sensation similar to having sand in the eyes.

Eye makeup can be a cause of conjunctival concretions. Makeup repeatedly irritates the mucous membrane on the ocular surface and the oil glands of the eyelids, causing inflammation and disrupting the healthy tear film. Aging and contact lens use can also be contributing factors to conjunctival concretions.

To prevent conjunctival concretions, it is advisable to avoid actions that irritate the eyes, such as rubbing them, and to relieve eye fatigue through sufficient rest. If wearing makeup, it is important to thoroughly remove cosmetics around the eyes after finishing the day. For contact lens users, regular lens cleaning is necessary, and one should avoid wearing lenses for extended periods or sleeping with lenses on. Additionally, warm compresses can help reduce inflammation and soothe the eyes. If dryness is felt regularly, using artificial tears to keep the eyes moist and frequently ventilating indoor spaces to maintain appropriate humidity levels is recommended.

Professor Kim Dong-hyun of the Department of Ophthalmology at Korea University Anam Hospital advised, "Modern people frequently use electronic devices, increasing the incidence of ocular surface diseases and conjunctival concretions. Therefore, it is important to maintain eye hygiene regularly." He added, "Conjunctival concretions are treated by removing the lesions on the conjunctiva with a surgical needle. Since it is a relatively simple procedure, if the foreign body sensation in the eyes is severe, it is recommended to visit a nearby ophthalmology clinic or hospital."