Dry eye progression in young adults ‘gradual, subtle’ but significant
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INDIANAPOLIS — Progression of ocular surface disease appears significant among young adults, including those who wear contact lenses, with screen time and stress reported to be modifiable risk factors, according to a presenter.
“The increase in ocular signs evidenced over the period of this study supports understanding that progression of dry eye in young adults is gradual, subtle and, in many cases, there are significant changes in these younger patients,” Debarun Dutta, MCOptom, FBCLA, FHEA, FIACLE, FAAO, a senior lecturer at Aston University, told attendees at Academy 2024.
To assess the relationship between contact lens use and ocular signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, Dutta and colleagues performed a prospective, longitudinal study of 50 adults aged 18 to 25 years (mean age, 19.9 years; 72% women). At baseline, 56% had evaporative dry eye disease, 32% were contact lens wearers and 50% of those with dry eye were contact lens wearers.
At the 1-year follow-up, the proportion of contact lens wearers increased to 40%, and 52% of participants with dry eye disease were contact lens wearers. At both baseline and follow-up visits, more than 90% of participants had at least one sign of dry eye disease, even if symptoms were absent.
Contact lens wear and female sex were the most significant factors associated with dry eye disease, and the key modifiable factors were stress and screen time.
The researchers noted a significant longitudinal progression in ocular surface signs, particularly increases in bulbar and limbal redness, lid wiper epitheliopathy and blink rate (P < .05).
Dutta said future research should examine dry eye progression in young adults over longer periods of time to better identify modifiable lifestyle factors in this patient population.
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Dutta D, et al. A prospective, longitudinal study to assess ocular surface characteristics, tear proteins and cytokines in young adults. Presented at: Academy 2024; Nov. 6-9; Indianapolis.
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