Pediatric dry eye disease is an underdiagnosed but growing concern due to modern lifestyle factors like increased screen time, according to a study in which experts emphasized the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines tailored to children, as current approaches are primarily designed for adults.
Conducted by a panel of ophthalmology experts, the Delphi study involved 2 rounds of surveys with 34 participants, achieving consensus on 39 out of 46 statements. Key findings emphasized the necessity of adapting adult diagnostic criteria for children and identifying significant risk factors, including screen exposure and ocular allergies. Experts also stressed the cautious use of treatments such as topical steroids and oral macrolides in younger patients.
The authors concluded that the study underscores the need for standardized clinical guidelines to improve pediatric dry eye disease diagnosis and management. Further research is needed to refine these recommendations and establish comprehensive pediatric-specific protocols.
Reference
Villani E, Nucci P, Benitez-Del-Castillo JM, et al; PeDED Delphi Group. Expert Consensus on Pediatric Dry Eye: Insights from a European Delphi Study. Ocul Surf. 2025;S1542-0124(25)00057-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2025.04.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40194766.
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