Researchers at Aston University have asked young people for more advice on the prevention of dry eye diseases, after a study conducted together with the Hospital of the University of Oslo and the Trust of the Sørlandet hospital in Norway found that 90% of the participants had at least one sign of the condition in the eyes.
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears, or make tears of low quality without sufficient levels of lipids or mucus, which leads to a stability of the movie of poor tears and a rapid evaporation. Victims may have sandy sensation eyes, chopping or spicy in the eyes, red eyes, lightning sensitivity and blurred vision. There are several risk factors for dry eye disease, including stress and the use of contact lenses. It is also more frequent in women. In the age group of 18-25, an important risk factor is the use of the screen.
The research, after 50-25 years from 18 to 25 years over time, was directed by Dr. Rachel Casemore at the Optometry School of Aston University and is the first of its kind. The researchers sought symptoms of dry ocular disease in the participants, studied lifestyle factors and continued with the participants for a year to find out if there had been any progression of the condition.
The initial study showed that 56% of the participants had dry ocular disease, while 90% had at least one symptom of the condition. Around half of the study participants had lost at least 25% of a type of gland in the eye called the Meibomian gland. These glands produce the outer lipid layer of the tears of the eye, which is responsible for preventing the evaporation of tears and, therefore, maintains the stable tear movie and the wet eye. A year later, the researchers found that there had been a significant progression of dry ocular disease in the study participants.
In addition, the researchers found the correlation found between how long the study group used screens and signs of dryness on the surface of the eye. The average use of the participants’ screen was eight hours per day.
The researchers concluded that the evidence of the symptoms of dry ocular disease and the progression in young adults in their study shows the need for early detection of possible signs, and the identification of those who can develop dry disease for the eye. These individuals can be advised on the management of the condition before progression.
The progression and development of dry eye disease can be slowed down by several methods. Dr. Casemore says that the simplest forms are to take regular screen breaks, carry out flickering exercises to guarantee the release of oils from the Meibomian glands and stay hydrated. It is also important a healthy and balanced diet, including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, as well as regular sleep patterns.
Dr. Casemore suggests that those with irregular sleep patterns, such as those caused by sleep or anxiety disorders, should seek advice. People who wear contact lenses should ensure regular checks to guarantee an optimal adjustment and adhere to their replacement schedule, with time, cleaning regimes and safety tips, such as not sleeping, showering or swimming in contact lenses.
Dr. Casemore said:
“It is worrying to observe the growing prevalence of the signs and symptoms of dry ocular disease in young adults, which have been called a” lifestyle epidemic “by some researchers. Eye care profession The diet, the screen patterns and the levels of the handling adults and the control levels of the screen and the lawyer of the screen control levels and the advice of the control levels of the screen of the screen.
“Our future research aims to continue the investigation of the possible tear and the oil biomarkers of the Meibomian gland that identified during the study and further explore the effect of the diet on the development of dry eyes disease.”