Which Department

Which department should I see for dry eyes?

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Ophthalmology(안과) is generally the first department to see for dry eye symptoms, as eye specialists are trained to evaluate and manage conditions affecting the ocular surface. If dry eyes appear alongside systemic conditions such as autoimmune disease, a referral to Rheumatology(류마티스내과) or Internal Medicine(내과) may follow.

Which department

  1. 1Ophthalmology (안과)
    Ophthalmologists specialize in all conditions of the eye, including disorders of the tear film and ocular surface that cause dryness, irritation, and discomfort. They are generally the primary specialists who evaluate tear production, tear quality, and related structural factors of the eye. — First / second line: In most cases, visiting an ophthalmology clinic (의원) as a first step is the general approach for dry eye symptoms. A secondary-level hospital referral is typically considered when symptoms are severe, persistent, or do not respond to initial management.
  2. 2Rheumatology (류마티스내과)
    Dry eyes can sometimes be associated with autoimmune or systemic conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatologists manage the underlying systemic disease that may be contributing to ocular dryness. This department focuses on the whole-body context rather than the eye itself. — First / second line: A visit to Rheumatology is generally considered after an ophthalmologist has raised the possibility of a systemic cause, or when dry eyes occur alongside other symptoms such as dry mouth, joint pain, or fatigue. A referral letter is typically needed when moving from a primary clinic to a hospital-based specialist in Korea.
  3. 3Internal Medicine (내과)
    Certain systemic conditions managed by internists — such as thyroid disorders or diabetes — can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Internal medicine physicians may be involved when a broader systemic evaluation is needed. — First / second line: Seeing Internal Medicine is generally not the first step for dry eyes alone, but may be recommended if a physician suspects an underlying medical condition is playing a role. In Korea, a referral from a primary-care clinic is typically the route to hospital-based internal medicine.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

  • Sudden, severe loss of vision or complete inability to see in one or both eyes — go to the emergency room or call 119 immediately.
  • Extreme eye pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or headache, which may suggest an acute pressure-related emergency — seek emergency care without delay.
  • Sudden appearance of a curtain-like shadow or large dark area blocking part of your vision — do not wait for a regular appointment; go to the emergency room.
  • Chemical or foreign substance splashed into the eye causing intense burning or pain — rinse immediately and proceed to the emergency room.
  • Significant eye trauma or injury from an object, impact, or sharp material — go to the emergency room or call 119 rather than waiting for a clinic visit.

Before your visit

  • Note when the dryness started and whether it is constant or occurs at certain times of day, such as in the morning or after prolonged screen use.
  • Observe whether both eyes are affected equally or if one eye feels worse, and whether symptoms improve or worsen in specific environments such as air-conditioned rooms or outdoors.
  • Write down any accompanying symptoms such as redness, itching, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a gritty sensation, as these details help guide the evaluation.
  • Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking, including eye drops, as certain medications are known to affect tear production.
  • If you wear contact lenses, note the type, how long you wear them daily, and whether removing them changes your symptoms.
  • If you have had any previous eye examinations or been diagnosed with an eye condition, bring those records or note the findings to share with the doctor.

General principles

Dry eye is generally understood as a condition involving insufficient tear quantity or poor tear quality, leading to discomfort and potential changes to the ocular surface. Because the eye itself is directly affected, Ophthalmology(안과) is widely recognized as the first point of contact in Korean medical practice, where an eye specialist can assess the surface and tear film using dedicated instruments.

In Korea, the general flow for a non-emergency eye concern is to start at a local ophthalmology clinic (의원-level), where an initial assessment can be made. If the condition is complex, persistent, or suggests an underlying systemic cause, the clinic doctor may issue a referral letter (진료의뢰서) to a hospital-based department such as Rheumatology or Internal Medicine for further evaluation.

Dry eye can have multiple contributing factors including environmental conditions, screen time habits, contact lens use, aging, hormonal changes, and systemic diseases, which is why the evaluation sometimes involves more than one specialty. The general principle in Korean healthcare is that a specialist-level workup follows a primary-level assessment, and health insurance coverage (건강보험) may vary depending on the level of facility visited and whether a referral was made.

FAQ

Should I go to a small eye clinic or a larger hospital for dry eyes?

Generally, starting at a local ophthalmology clinic (의원) is considered appropriate for most dry eye complaints, as they are equipped to handle common ocular surface issues. A larger hospital is typically considered when symptoms are severe, recurrent, or when the clinic doctor recommends further investigation — often with a referral letter in the Korean system.

Could my dry eyes be related to an allergy rather than true dry eye disease?

Allergic eye conditions can sometimes produce symptoms that overlap with dry eye, such as itching, redness, and discomfort, making them difficult to distinguish without a clinical evaluation. An ophthalmologist is generally well-positioned to assess whether the presentation fits dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, or a combination — so discussing all your symptoms thoroughly during the visit is important.

What kinds of assessments are generally done for dry eyes during an eye exam?

In general medical practice, eye specialists may evaluate dry eye by examining the tear film, the ocular surface, and tear production using specialized tools and tests designed for that purpose. The specific assessments used depend on the individual presentation, and a physician will explain what is being done and why during the consultation.

Is the approach to dry eyes different for children or elderly patients?

The general principle of seeing an ophthalmologist first applies across age groups, but the underlying causes and contributing factors can differ — for example, elderly patients may experience age-related changes in tear production, while dry eyes in children may prompt additional questions about screen habits or other causes. In both cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor rather than assuming the cause, and to bring any relevant medical history or current medications to the appointment.

Related questions

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This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.