DRY EYE & XEROPHTHALMIA · GANGNAM, SEOUL
Xerophthalmia Treatment in Seoul.
Protect your cornea.
Severe dry eye, night blindness or corneal damage can signal xerophthalmia — a progressive condition caused by vitamin A deficiency. Early treatment helps prevent vision loss.
QUICK ANSWER
What is xerophthalmia?
Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disorder caused by a lack of vitamin A, leading to severe dryness, corneal scarring and vision impairment. It often begins with night blindness and, if untreated, can cause corneal ulcers and keratomalacia (corneal softening) that lead to permanent vision loss. Treatment restores vitamin A and protects the cornea.
- Cause
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Early sign
- Night blindness
- Key risk
- Corneal ulcers
- Treatment
- Vitamin A + corneal care
KEY SYMPTOMS
Symptoms to watch for
Chronic dry eye
Persistent dryness, irritation and discomfort.
Night blindness
Difficulty seeing in low light.
Corneal softening & ulcers
Can lead to blindness if untreated.
Bitot’s spots
White, foamy patches on the conjunctiva.
Blurred or reduced vision
Progressive deterioration from corneal damage.
RISK FACTORS
Who is at risk for xerophthalmia?
Xerophthalmia is most common in people who:
- Have vitamin A deficiency from malnutrition or poor diet
- Have malabsorption disorders such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis
- Experience chronic dry eye that worsens over time
- Have a history of eye infections or corneal ulcers
- Are children or pregnant women with insufficient vitamin A intake
Related eye care
Dry eyes affect vision-correction choices too:
Dry eyes and want laser correction? See SMILE → Lower dry-eye risk surgery: LASEK → Dry eyes, high myopia: ICL → Contact-lens discomfort? Ortho-K →STEP BY STEP
How we treat xerophthalmia
- 01
Examination & diagnosis
- Vision assessment and night-blindness screening
- Corneal and conjunctival evaluation for Bitot’s spots or ulcers
- Vitamin A deficiency testing and nutritional assessment
- 02
Personalised treatment
- Vitamin A supplementation
- Lubricating eye drops and artificial tears
- Regenerative treatments and dietary counselling
- 03
Corneal protection & healing
- Corneal bandage contact lenses
- Amniotic membrane transplantation for severe damage
- Tear duct treatments to improve natural tears
WHY GANGNAM SMILE EYE CLINIC
Severe dry eye care in Gangnam
Corneal disorder expertise
Specialists who diagnose and treat severe dry eye and xerophthalmia.
Vitamin A therapy & nutrition
Supplementation and dietary guidance to treat the root cause.
Corneal protection
Lubricant therapy, bandage lenses and regenerative drops.
Diagnostic monitoring
Specialised imaging to track progress and tailor treatment.
YOUR SURGEONS
Dr. Yeom Dong Ju, MD, Ph.D. — Chief Ophthalmologist
Over 20 years in ophthalmology and more than 10,000 LASIK procedures. Ph.D. in Medicine; M.D., Inje University College of Medicine; residency at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital. He leads a team of board-certified ophthalmologists — Dr. Jeong Sang Jun, Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung and Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo — trusted by Korean national archers An San and Kim Woo-jin.
Dr. Jeong Sang Jun
Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung
Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo
COST
How much does xerophthalmia treatment cost?
Treatment cost depends on the severity of the condition and the therapies required. We offer customised care plans — contact us for a personalised consultation.
Get a personalised quote
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. Our English-speaking team replies with candidacy guidance and a quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Xerophthalmia questions, answered
What causes xerophthalmia? +
Xerophthalmia is caused by vitamin A deficiency, from poor diet, malnutrition or malabsorption disorders such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis.
What are the first signs? +
Night blindness is often the first sign, followed by severe dryness, Bitot’s spots and blurred vision.
Can xerophthalmia cause blindness? +
Yes. Untreated, it can lead to corneal ulcers and softening (keratomalacia) and permanent vision loss, so early treatment is key.
How is xerophthalmia treated? +
Treatment combines vitamin A supplementation, lubricating drops, corneal protection such as bandage lenses and, in severe cases, amniotic membrane transplantation.
Last updated October 2026 · Information is general and does not replace an eye examination.
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FREE CONSULTATION
Persistent dry eye? Get assessed early.
English-speaking team · 1 minute from Gangnam Station Exit 10 · Reply on WhatsApp.
405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Gangnam Stn Exit 10 · 1-min walk
Sat 09:30–16:30 · Lunch 13:00–14:00
2nd & 4th Fri: evening appointments
Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
