Modern concepts of the ocular surface in children

    Abstract

    Review

    Modern concepts of the ocular surface in children

    E.Yu. Markova, N.A. Gavrilova, A.A. Petrov, A.E. Nikitina, A.A. Postolnik

    Russian University of Medicine, Moscow, Russian Federation
Eye Center «Vostok-Prozrenie», Moscow, Russian Fedearation
S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation

    Dry eye disease (DED) is a set of xerotic changes in the cornea and conjunctiva caused by a systematic violation of the stability of the pre-corneal tear film. In recent years, DED has become an increasingly urgent problem in pediatric practice, especially due to the increased time spent by children in front of screens and unfavorable environmental conditions. The tear film in children is less stable, which makes them especially sensitive to provoking factors.

    The current trend towards digitalization and the increase in time spent by children watching monitors significantly increase the risk of DED. Studies show that more than 30% of children who regularly use gadgets experience symptoms of dry eyes, which underscores the importance of this problem. There is a need to implement preventive measures to raise awareness of visual hygiene, including regular breaks, proper lighting, and limiting work on gadgets. Non-invasive diagnostic methods are becoming increasingly popular due to their accuracy and simplicity.

    The development of age standards for a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the tear film in children is an urgent task.

    It is also important to develop a questionnaire that takes into account the characteristics of age and factors affecting the condition of the tear film.

    Conclusion. Modern ophthalmology is developing in the direction of non-invasive research methods. It is important to develop age standards for a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the eye surface in children. DED in children often goes unnoticed, so it is important to inform parents and teachers about the need for regular monitoring of vision and visual hygiene.

    Keywords: children, dry eye disease, tear film, diagnostics, disease prevention

    For citation: Markova E.Yu., Gavrilova N.A., Petrov A.A., Nikitina A.E., Postolnik A.A. Modern concepts of the ocular surface in children. Rossiyskaya detskaya oftalmologiya. 2026;1(55): 22–28.

    DOI: 10.25276/2307-6658- 2026-1-22-28

    Corresponding author: Andrey A. Petrov, barxat94@mail.ru