Dry eye disease in university students

Objective. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in university students, identify significant risk factors, and determine possible directions for therapeutic management. Material and methods. The study included 88 students from Bukhara State Medical Institute named after Abu Ali ibn Sino aged 18—28 years. During stage 1 (online screening), the prevalence of symptomatic DED was determined (criterion: OSDI>12), and the significance of risk factors was assessed. During stage 2, students with OSDI>12 underwent the Norn test, Schirmer I test, Korb compression test, and meibography for diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD); clinical signs of infestation (CSI) by D. folliculorum and allergic conjunctivitis (AC) were identified, and the prevalence of DED was determined according to the DEWS III criteria (OSDI>12 and tear film breakup time <10 s). Statistics: χ² test, calculation of the normalized Pearson`s contingency coefficient (C’). Results. The prevalence of symptomatic DED was 72.7%. Significant associations were found with female sex (C’=0.413), screen time >6 h per day (C’=0.332), eyeliner use (C’=0.555), and mascara use (C’=0.404). According to the DEWS III criteria, DED was diagnosed in 52.3% of students, with predominance of the evaporative form. Among the risk factors, the most significant were MGD (C’=0.579), AC (C’=0.371), and CSI (C’=0.347). Conclusions. According to the DEWS III criteria, DED was detected in 52.3% of students, evaporative DES predominated, and MGD was the most significant factor and may be considered a pathogenetic component of the disease. The findings support eyelid hygiene, including the use of Blepharogel Ochischenie cleansing gel, Blepharolosion lotion, Blepharosalfetka wipes, Blepharogel-1, Blepharogel-2, and Blepharogel Forte, as one of the potential components of comprehensive DED therapy in university students.