Research highlights importance of advising young adults around dry eye disease

Researchers highlight “concerning” increase in prevalence of dry eye disease symptoms in young adults after a new study found 90% of participants had at least one sign of the condition.

Published in The Ocular Surface, the research, A prospective, longitudinal study to assess progression of ocular surface signs, tear cytokines and protein profiles in young adults, looked for symptoms of dry eye disease amongst 50 18–25-year-olds.

The study also looked at lifestyle factors and followed up with the participants one year on to identify any progression of the condition.

Led by Dr Rachel Casemore at Aston University School of Optometry, the first-of-its-kind study was carried out in conjunction with Oslo University Hospital and Sørlandet Hospital Trust in Norway.

The initial study showed that 56% of participants had dry eye disease, while 90% had at least one diagnostic sign, and around half of the participants in the study had at least 25% meibomian gland loss in either lid despite their dry eye status.

At a second visit a year later, researchers found there had been significant progression of dry eye disease in the study participants.

Correlation was also found between how long the study group used screens and signs of dryness of the eye surface, noting that the average screen use of participants was eight hours per day.

Researchers concluded that the findings reinforced the need for early detection of potential signs and differentiation of those individuals likely to progress to dry eye disease.

The study authors emphasised the role of counselling around the modifiable risk factors of dry eye disease.

Casemore said: “It is concerning to note the increasing prevalence of dry eye disease signs and symptoms in young adults, which has been referred to as a ‘lifestyle epidemic’ by some researchers.”

“Eye care practitioners are well placed to identify the clinical indicators of dry eye disease and counsel young adults around modifiable risk factors, such as screen use habits, sleeping habits, contact lens use, diet, blinking patterns, and management of stress levels,” she continued.

Future research will investigate the potential tear and meibomian gland oil biomarkers, Casemore said: “Which were identified during the study and further explore the effect of diet on dry eye disease.”