EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINED THERAPY USING OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AND IPL IN MILITARY PERSONNEL WITH DRY EYE SYNDROME

Abdullaev Sh.R.; Mamatov J. F.

Authors

Abdullaev Sh.R. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Professional Qualification Development of Medical Workers
Mamatov J. F. Independent Researcher at the Military Medical Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ophthalmologist, Deputy Chief Surgeon at AKFA Medline University Hospital

Keywords:

Dry eye syndrome, meibomian glands, omega-3 fatty acids, intense pulsed light, military personnel.

Abstract

Objective of the Study. To determine the effectiveness of combined therapy including omega-3 fatty acids and IPL compared to monotherapy in military personnel with dry eye syndrome. Material and Methods. The study involved 120 military personnel (240 eyes), divided into three groups. Group 1 received tear substitutes and EPA/DHA, group 2 — only tear substitutes, and group 3 — tear substitutes, EPA/DHA, and IPL. Assessment was conducted using OSDI, Schirmer’s test, Norn’s test, meibography, and measurement of the tear meniscus height over a 12-week period. Results. The most significant improvement across all parameters, including increased tear film break-up time and meibomian gland density, was observed in group 3. Tear film break-up time increased to 9.75±1.16 seconds, meibomian gland density — to 38.2±6.9%, and meibomian gland dysfunction index decreased to 0.74±0.19. These results were statistically significantly different from those in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Conclusion. Combined treatment using EPA/DHA and IPL is more effective in correcting symptoms and morphological disturbances in dry eye syndrome than monotherapy, especially in the presence of meibomian gland dysfunction.