[Risk factors, clinical features and indications for treatment of dry eye disease at a young age]

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) not only in older people, but also in young people, which is potentially associated with the use of digital devices. Early detection of signs of DED and the appointment of preventive tear replacement therapy can help stabilize the tear film and slow down the progression of the disease.

To study risk factors, prevalence and clinical manifestations of DED in young people, to determine indications and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with artificial tears.

The study included 91 patients aged 21 to 39 years (mean age 22.4±0.35 years), 63 (69.2%) women and 28 men (30.8%). All patients had tear film breakup time (TBUT) measured and underwent Schirmer I test, LIPCOF, ocular surface staining with vital dyes, lacrimal OCT-meniscometry and filled a questionnaire. To determine the effectiveness of the tear replacement therapy, 45 people prescribed sodium hyaluronate solution were randomly selected.

The time that study subjects spend using devices ranged from 6 to 18 hours per day, amounting to 11.5±0.35 hours on average. According to the results of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, 92.9% of study participants were revealed to have subjective symptoms of eye irritation. A decrease in TBUT was recorded in 30.8% of cases, the results of the Schirmer I test were decreased in 82.4% of the subjects. Significant changes in OSDI, Schirmer test and TBUT were obtained as the result of treatment. Changes in the indicators of staining and OCT meniscometry were not reliable.

The most significant risk factor of developing DED at a young age is regular, prolonged visual work with digital screens. The main symptoms are subjective manifestations and TBUT.