ABSTRACT
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is caused by insufficient tear production, excessive evaporation or tear film instability. It causes damage to the anterior surface of the eye in the form of dry conjunctivitis and even visual disturbances. In recent years, awareness has increased that DES is a significant medical problem and its symptoms are a common cause of discomfort reported by patients. AIM: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the impact of environmental factors in the area of duty outside the country on the state of the anterior surface of the eye in soldiers of the Military Police. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 63 soldiers who served outside the country, the control group consisted of 50 soldiers who have never been on foreign missions All soldiers filled out the questionnaire regarding the most common symptoms while on duty. Soldiers who scored 9 points in the survey were tested in a slit lamp using fluorescein sodium with tear break up time (TBUT). IBM SPSS Statistics statistical program was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. The authors organized the results, added them up, calculated arithmetic mean values and made tabular presentation. RESULTS: In the group of soldiers serving abroad, an increased frequency of reporting symptoms such as photophobia, feeling of sand under the eyelids, congestion of the conjunctivae has been shown. There was a positive correlation between the number of foreign missions and the intensity of the reported symptoms. Among the soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, a higher total score was achieved. In soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, mild symptoms of DES were found in 46.4% and 25.0%, moderate in 21.4% and 25.0%, heavy in 3.6% and 8.3% respectively. On the other hand, in soldiers serving in Kosovo, mild DES symptoms were observed in 16,7% and moderate in 2,8% and heavy in 2,8% of respondents. In the fracture lamella study using fluorescein, 6 soldiers had abnormal tear film break time (less than 10 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: In the group of soldiers an increased frequency of DES symptoms was found, which can be associated with the impact of environmental conditions - strong wind, hot and dry air. Due to the increased frequency of DES symptoms during missions it seems reasonable to supplement the issued preventive and therapeutic kits with eye moisturizing drops, in order to prevent DES and ensure proper hydration of the eyeballs.
