Medically reviewed by Dr. Jinhag Baik, MD · Last updated September 2026

Q. What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition in which the eyes fail to maintain a stable, healthy tear film — either because too few tears are produced or because tears evaporate too quickly. For residents of Yeongdeungpo, Guro, and Gasan who spend long hours commuting and working at screens, evaporative dry eye linked to meibomian gland dysfunction is by far the most common form seen in clinic.

There are two main types: evaporative dry eye, where tears evaporate too quickly (often due to meibomian gland dysfunction), and aqueous-deficient dry eye, where the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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About the author: Dr. Jinhag (Daniel) Baik, MD, is an ophthalmologist and the director of Nunehim Eye Clinic in Seoul, Korea (near Guro Digital Complex Station). A former Samsung semiconductor engineer, he welcomes English-speaking patients for vision correction, cataract, and general eye care.