Are Eye Supplements Really Effective?Blurry vision, eye fatigue, and discomfort—most people today have experienced at least one of these symptoms. When these issues become frequent, it’s natural to become curious about supplements that claim to support eye health.Just a quick visit to a pharmacy or online store reveals countless products labeled “Good for Eye Health with Lutein” or “Supports Tired Eyes with Zeaxanthin.” But the real question is:Do eye supplements actually help?To be direct, it's difficult to guarantee any “dramatic effects.” However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely useless. Let’s break down why that is.Key Ingredients and Their RolesMost eye supplements contain ingredients such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds help maintain macular pigment density and are known to protect the eyes from ultraviolet light and blue light.Astaxanthin and vitamins C and E serve as antioxidants that protect cells from damage, while zinc supports the normal function of visual cells. Omega-3 fatty acids may improve tear film stability, potentially helping with dry eyes. Anthocyanins are known to improve blood circulation and may help relieve eye fatigue.Each of these ingredients could offer potential benefits to eye health, but their effectiveness depends heavily on individual factors such as physiology, diet, and lifestyle.Why Do Some Say “They Don’t Work”?Skepticism around eye supplements often stems from the fact that they are not medications intended to directly treat disease.Dietary supplements are designed to support health—not to cure or reverse conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal disorders. Additionally, the studies that support the efficacy of these nutrients usually involve long-term intake and report only modest, statistically small effects.In short, taking supplements for just a few weeks or months is unlikely to noticeably reduce eye fatigue or improve vision.When Might They Be Helpful?This doesn’t mean that eye supplements are completely without value. In fact, they can offer some benefits under certain conditions.For example, individuals who consume insufficient vegetables or lack lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet may benefit from supplementation. Office workers or those who spend prolonged periods looking at screens may also benefit from the antioxidant support to reduce oxidative stress in eye tissues.Family history is another key consideration. Those with a family history of retinal diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy may find antioxidant supplements helpful as a preventative measure.Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have shown promise in improving tear stability and alleviating symptoms of dry eye.Lifestyle Habits Matter More Than SupplementsThe most important factors for eye health are lifestyle habits and regular check-ups. Supplements are only supportive tools, and without the foundation of healthy daily practices, their effectiveness is limited.If you work long hours at a computer, the 20-20-20 rule—looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help reduce strain.Adequate sleep, hydration, a consistent daily routine, and appropriate lighting also contribute significantly to reducing eye fatigue. Contact lens users should limit wear time and maintain strict hygiene.For those over 40, yearly comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting structural changes early.Supplements Should Be Treated as Support, Not CureEye supplements are not miracle treatments. However, when used consistently as part of a broader strategy involving diet and lifestyle adjustments, they can be a meaningful part of maintaining eye health.Avoid being misled by exaggerated marketing claims or vague testimonials. Instead, assess your personal health status and consult an eye care professional before beginning any supplement regimen. Based on precise tests for dry eyes, retina, or lens condition, your doctor can help guide the most appropriate choices.Eye health isn’t something that can be fixed overnight. The small steps you take today can protect your vision ten years down the road. If your eyes feel uncomfortable, start with an accurate diagnosis before turning to supplements.BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil is always here to support your vision. Thank you.

After a long day, when you turn off the lights and start to relax, have you ever noticed that your vision becomes blurry or dim? Do strong light sources like street lamps or phone screens appear scattered or glaring? Many people simply dismiss these symptoms as fatigue or aging, but if your eyes consistently feel strained or your vision feels cloudy at night, it could be a sign of an underlying eye condition.The human eye is designed to adjust to changes in light and allow clear vision even in dim environments. However, when this adjustment function weakens or structural changes occur inside the eye, night vision problems such as dimness or difficulty seeing in the dark may appear. Conditions commonly associated with these symptoms include night blindness, early-stage cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and retinal disorders.Night vision discomfort doesn’t arise from a single cause. One common reason is cataracts. When the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, light is no longer transmitted properly through the eye. This effect is especially noticeable at night when the surroundings are darker, and lights appear more diffused or hazy.While daylight may somewhat compensate for this issue, it becomes much more prominent in dim environments.Night blindness, or nyctalopia, is another condition where the eyes struggle to adapt in dark settings. It can result from vitamin A deficiency but may also be caused by retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. Though rare in younger people, it may still occur and should not be dismissed as a simple vision issue—it could be an early sign of retinal dysfunction.Dry eye syndrome is also a major contributor to night-time eye discomfort. Particularly common among contact lens users or people who frequently use smartphones and digital screens, dry eye symptoms worsen at night when tear production is reduced or uneven, leading to blurry vision and a gritty sensation in the eyes.If You Notice These Symptoms, Consider an Eye ExamHere are some warning signs to watch out for:1. Difficulty adjusting to darkness or slow adaptation in dim environments2. Frequent glare, halos, or starbursts around lights3. Trouble seeing road signs or headlights clearly while driving at night4. Blurred vision even under indoor lighting5. Eye dryness, fatigue, burning, or stinging sensationIgnoring these symptoms as just fatigue or aging can lead to long-term vision damage. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma often develop silently and are difficult to detect in the early stages. Delayed diagnosis may result in irreversible vision loss, so early vigilance is crucial.If you experience any of these signs—or even if you don’t—it’s best to undergo regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes. For those who struggle with night vision, a comprehensive exam can help detect any structural or functional abnormalities early on.Don’t Ignore the Signals Your Eyes Are SendingAmong all the senses we rely on daily, our eyes handle the most information. Eye strain or visual changes aren’t just temporary discomforts—they can be critical signals from your body. In today’s world, where we’re constantly exposed to smartphones, monitors, and LED lighting, protecting your eyes requires even more attention.If your daily life includes frequent night driving or working in dimly lit environments, you may be especially sensitive to changes in vision. Don’t brush off even minor symptoms—act quickly to protect your eyesight. If you’re dealing with night vision issues, don’t wait until small symptoms become bigger problems. Seek a proper diagnosis and start treatment early to regain clear and comfortable vision.When it comes to your eye health, early intervention is key.

Apollo Eye Disease (Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods [BGN Eye Clinic, Jamsil Lotte Tower]Hello, this is Dr. Sae-Kwang Park, Medical Director at BGN Eye Clinic, Jamsil Lotte Tower. While many of our patients visit for vision correction, cataracts, and various eye diseases, we also receive numerous inquiries about viral conjunctivitis, including Apollo Eye Disease. Today, I’d like to briefly talk about this condition, which many people experience every year.✅ What is Apollo Eye Disease?Apollo Eye Disease is a type of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis. It is an infectious disease caused by viruses such as Enterovirus 70, Coxsackievirus A24, and Adenoviruses. Due to its infectious nature, it is crucial to be cautious about its contagiousness.✅ What Causes Apollo Eye Disease?This disease results from viral infection. While we’ve mentioned the responsible viruses above, here’s how the infection is typically transmitted:1️⃣ Contact with an infected person’s hands: Direct transmission via hands that have touched the eyes2️⃣ Contaminated items: Indirect transmission through towels, handkerchiefs, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.3️⃣ Public spaces: Direct or indirect transmission through schools, workplaces, public transport, and swimming pools4️⃣ Respiratory droplets: Possibility of droplet transmission via coughing or sneezing in public placesSymptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of infection. Because of its high infectivity, Apollo Eye Disease can spread rapidly in crowded environments like schools and offices.✅ What Are the Main Symptoms?🟢 Early Symptoms✔ Starts in one eye and quickly spreads to both✔ Redness and conjunctival hyperemia✔ Foreign body sensation, itching, stinging✔ Increased tearing and eye discharge🔴 Severe Symptoms✔ Hemorrhage in the white of the eye (hemorrhagic conjunctivitis)✔ Eyelid swelling✔ Severe pain and light sensitivity (photophobia)✔ Temporary vision impairmentThough symptoms appear suddenly after infection, they usually improve within a week.✅ How Is Apollo Eye Disease Treated?Since Apollo Eye Disease is caused by a virus, there is no specific treatment, and it usually resolves naturally within 1 to 2 weeks. However, to ease symptoms and prevent secondary infections, the following measures are recommended: Symptom Relief✔ Use of artificial tears: for dryness or foreign body sensation✔ Cold compresses: to reduce swelling and discomfort✔ Antibiotic eye drops (if prescribed): to prevent bacterial co-infection Precautions✔ Avoid rubbing your eyes: may worsen infection✔ Wash hands frequently: to prevent transmission✔ Do not share towels, pillows, or cosmetics: to stop the spread✔ Avoid swimming pools and public spaces: to protect others✅ Prevention and Early Symptom Management Are KeyBecause of its highly contagious nature, first-line prevention like hand washing, maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals is essential. If symptoms do develop, visiting an eye clinic for proper diagnosis and care can help prevent unnecessary discomfort.Seek medical attention if:✔ You have severe pain or vision loss✔ There is significant swelling or persistent bleeding✔ Symptoms last more than a week or worsen✔ Eye discharge becomes excessive or turns yellow with pusMany people have experienced Apollo Eye Disease during childhood—some even hoping to catch it to get out of school. But now, no one wants to go through this discomfort unnecessarily. Early action and proper care are the best ways to protect your vision and prevent further complications. 

How Our Eyes Perceive Color and Treatment Options for Color Vision DeficiencyHello, this is Dr. Sae-Kwang Park from BGN Eye Clinic in Jamsil Lotte Tower.Today, I’d like to talk about something that might be helpful for those with color vision deficiency—commonly known as color blindness.While I often share content related to vision correction (LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, SMILE Pro, and ICL) or presbyopia and cataracts, today's topic will be a little different—color vision deficiency.The way we perceive color is much more complex than it seems. For instance, when we see a red apple, we instinctively recognize it as red. But in reality, this perception involves a sophisticated process involving light, photoreceptor cells, and brain interpretation.Let’s take a step-by-step look at how we see color, what color vision deficiency is, what difficulties it brings, and what supportive methods are currently available.How We See Color – The Role of LightTo understand color, we must first understand light. When light is passed through a prism, it breaks into seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colors make up the visible light spectrum.Objects reflect specific wavelengths of light and absorb the rest. For example, a red apple reflects red wavelengths and absorbs the others, which is why we perceive it as red.How Does the Human Eye Recognize Color?Our eyes contain photoreceptor cells that detect light. These are divided into two main types:✔ Cone cells – Responsible for color vision✔ Rod cells – Responsible for detecting brightness and darknessCone cells are particularly important for perceiving color.There are three types of cone cells, each sensitive to different wavelengths:Red-sensitive conesGreen-sensitive conesBlue-sensitive conesThese three types of cells work together to allow us to perceive a full spectrum of colors.This is the same principle used in digital displays, often called the RGB system.What Is Color Vision Deficiency (Color Blindness)?Normal color perception requires all three types of cone cells to function properly.However, when one type of cone is missing or underperforming due to genetics or aging, Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) can occur.Main Causes of Color Vision Deficiency✔ Genetics – Often inherited through the X chromosome, making it more common in men✔ Aging – The function of cone cells may decline over time✔ Eye diseases – Conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration may affect color perception✔ Medication side effects – Certain antibiotics or antidepressants can cause changes in color visionTypes of Color Vision Deficiency✔ Red-Green Deficiency – The most common form; difficult to distinguish between red and green✔ Blue-Yellow Deficiency – Less common; difficulty distinguishing between blue and yellow✔ Total Color Blindness (Achromatopsia) – Extremely rare; only able to perceive shades of grayHow Can Color Vision Deficiency Be Managed?While there’s currently no complete cure for color blindness, there are several tools and techniques that can help improve color discrimination.1) Color-Corrective Glasses & Contact LensesThese use special filters to enhance contrast between certain colors.They can make it easier to distinguish between colors, especially in daily activities.2) Digital Color Adjustment ToolsMany smartphones and

Many people experience worsening symptoms of dry eyes due to the dry winter air. The combination of low humidity and indoor heating can significantly aggravate dry eye symptoms.To relieve discomfort, consistent care and lifestyle adjustments are essential.Let’s take a look at some daily habits that can help prevent dry eyes:1. Use of Artificial TearsTypes and Usage Tips:Preservative-free artificial tears: Safe for frequent daily use and suitable for chronic dryness.Eye drops: Liquid form that provides immediate hydration to the eye surface.Gel type: Stays longer on the eyes and is ideal for nighttime use.Tip: Wash hands before use, and gently close eyes for 1–2 minutes after applying to help distribute the solution evenly.2. Manage Indoor HumidityHumidifier: Keeps air moist and counteracts the drying effect of heating.Optimal humidity level: Maintain 40–60%.Change humidifier water daily to prevent bacterial growth.Alternative:Place a damp towel or water bowl near the heater to add moisture to the air.3. Warm CompressesMethod: Soak a clean towel in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your eyelids for 5–10 minutes.Gently massage the eyelid margins afterward to stimulate oil glands and stabilize the tear film.Frequency: Once or twice a day, especially in the morning or before bed.4. Improve Blinking Habits20-20-20 Rule for Screen Use: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.Blink more consciously: Helps spread tears evenly and reduce dryness.Adjust screen position slightly below eye level to minimize eye exposure and dryness.5. Nutritional SupportOmega-3 fatty acids: Improve tear quality and prevent evaporation.Found in salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, walnuts, etc.Vitamins A and E: Promote healthy eye mucous membranes.Found in carrots, spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds, etc.Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to maintain fluid balance.6. Environmental ProtectionProtective eyewear: Wear glasses or sunglasses to block wind and dust.Adjust airflow: Direct air from heaters or AC away from your face.Try to limit outdoor activities on windy days.7. Eyelid HygieneMethod: Gently wipe eyelid margins with a cotton swab soaked in warm water.Thoroughly remove eye makeup to prevent inflammation or blockage.Effect: Helps reduce inflammation and improve tear film stability.8. Professional TreatmentDry eye evaluation: Visit an eye clinic for a proper diagnosis if symptoms are severe.You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drops or medicated artificial tears.For contact lens users: Switch to moisturizing lenses or reduce wearing time.Punctal plugs: A procedure to block tear drainage and retain natural tears.9. Things to AvoidSmoking and secondhand smoke: Irritate the eyes and worsen symptoms.Caffeine and alcohol: Can dehydrate the body and exacerbate dry eyes—consume in moderation.

During the winter season, cold weather and dry air can make your eyes feel more tired and dry.To protect your eye health, try incorporating the following foods into your diet:Carrots: Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help protect vision.Spinach: Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent macular degeneration.Sweet potatoes: High in beta-carotene and vitamin C, helping to relieve eye fatigue.Mandarins and oranges: Packed with vitamin C to support healthy blood vessels in the eyes.Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which help relieve dry eyes.Salmon: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, effective in preventing dry eye syndrome.Eggs: Contain lutein and zinc, which are beneficial for retinal health.Broccoli: Contains vitamin C and antioxidants that help slow down eye aging.Pumpkin: Rich in beta-carotene, which helps relieve eye fatigue.Green tea: Contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the eyes.Be sure to eat a balanced variety of these foods to protect your eye health during winter.In addition, don’t forget to stay hydrated and maintain proper indoor humidity to prevent dry eyes.