Young People"s Eye Health Found to Be at Risk

Alarming trend: 90% of young people suffer from dry eyes, new study shows. According to data published in the authoritative journal The Ocular Surface, the vast majority of people aged 18-25 already show signs of this condition, previously considered a problem of the older generation.

The study results are shocking: 56 percent of young participants were diagnosed with full-fledged dry eye syndrome. Even more alarming was the fact that half of those examined had lost at least a quarter of their meibomian glands — crucial structures that produce the protective lipid layer of the tear film.

Dry eye syndrome develops when there is insufficient tear production or a disruption in their composition with a decrease in lipid and mucus content. Patients suffer from a whole complex of unpleasant symptoms: itching, burning, redness of the eyes, increased sensitivity to light, and decreased visual acuity. Contact lens users and those who spend extended periods in front of screens are at particular risk. Notably, study participants used digital devices for about eight hours daily on average.

Follow-up observation after a year revealed a discouraging picture: symptoms progressed in a significant proportion of young people. Scientists insist on the necessity of early diagnosis and preventive measures. Key recommendations remain systematic breaks when working at a computer, special eye exercises, sufficient fluid intake, and adequate sleep. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids also plays a significant protective role.

The scientific team's future plans include in-depth study of biomarkers associated with dry eye syndrome and research on the influence of dietary characteristics on visual system health.