PREVALENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF DRY EYE SYNDROME AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Аннотация

Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, contributing factors, and management approaches of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) among young adults residing in urban settings. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 450 individuals aged 18–35 years, living in Samarkand. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire followed by ophthalmologic evaluation including the Schirmer’s test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and fluorescein staining. Results: The prevalence of DES among participants was 32.4%. Key contributing factors included prolonged screen time, air pollution, and reduced blink rate. The majority of affected individuals responded well to artificial tear substitutes, lifestyle modification, and environmental adjustments. Conclusion: DES is increasingly prevalent among young urban populations. Early diagnosis and a combination of medical and behavioral management can significantly improve patient outcomes. Keywords: Dry Eye Syndrome, Urban Health, Young Adults, Ophthalmology, Tear Film, Screen Time, Environmental Factors.