The Rising Burden of Ocular Surface Disease Amongst Youth: Reviewing Pathophysiology And Evidence Based Preventive Approaches

Moutusi Nath; Manjira Acharyya

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.50458

The Rising Burden of Ocular Surface Disease Amongst Youth: Reviewing Pathophysiology And Evidence Based Preventive Approaches

Author(s)	Ms. Moutusi Nath, Ms. Manjira Acharyya
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Ocular surface health is critical for maintaining clear vision and visual comfort, yet increasing evidence indicates a rising burden of ocular surface diseases (OSD), particularly Dry Eye Disease (DED), among children, adolescents, and young adults. Once predominantly associated with aging, DED is now frequently documented in younger populations due to a convergence of modifiable risk factors such as prolonged digital screen use, poor sleep hygiene, sedentary lifestyle, environmental pollution, and improper contact lens practices. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on the multifactorial etiology of DED and highlights preventive strategies rooted in physiology, lifestyle, and environmental management. We explore the disruption of tear film homeostasis and the role of the lacrimal functional unit (LFU), redox imbalance, ocular surface perfusion, and microbiome alterations in the pathogenesis of DED. Furthermore, we examine how behaviors common in youth—such as extended screen time, insufficient outdoor activity, poor dietary patterns, and irregular sleep—adversely affect tear dynamics and ocular surface stability. Evidence-based interventions, including omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation, physical activity, yoga, and structured sleep routines, are shown to enhance ocular surface resilience. Environmental modifications, such as reducing exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollutants and adopting protective measures (e.g., eyewear, humidifiers), are emphasized alongside safe contact lens hygiene. The review also underscores the importance of early detection through advanced diagnostics and targeted screening in at-risk populations. Overall, the review advocates a proactive, integrative approach to preserving ocular surface health among youth. Preventive strategies that combine lifestyle modification, environmental control, and early clinical intervention offer a promising path to reduce the growing ocular morbidity and enhance quality of life in younger demographics.
Keywords	Dry Eye Disease, Ocular Surface Disease, Oxidative Stress, Lifestyle, Air Pollution, Contact Lens Hygiene.
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-09-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.50458

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The Rising Burden of Ocular Surface Disease Amongst Youth: Reviewing Pathophysiology And Evidence Based Preventive Approaches

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