KERATOKONUSLI BEMORLARDA QURUQ KO‘Z SINDROMINING KLINIK XUSUSIYATLARI VA DIAGNOSTIKASI, CLINICAL FEATURES AND DIAGNOSIS OF DRY EYE SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH KERATOCONUS, КЛИНИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ И ДИАГНОСТИКА СИНДРОМА СУХОГО ГЛАЗА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С КЕРАТОКОНУСОМ

<jats:p>Relevance. Keratoconus and dry eye syndrome are common ophthalmic disorders with a close pathogenetic relationship. Keratoconus is characterized by progressive corneal ectasia and stromal thinning, whereas dry eye syndrome manifests as tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of dry eye syndrome in patients with keratoconus and to analyze its diagnostic indicators. Materials and methods. The obtained data were processed using statistical methods, and correlations between clinical parameters were analyzed. Results. The study results revealed signs of dry eye syndrome in a significant proportion of patients with keratoconus. Schirmer test results indicated reduced tear secretion, while TBUT values demonstrated decreased tear film stability. According to the OSDI questionnaire, most patients reported symptoms such as ocular dryness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, and transient blurred vision. Meibomian gland dysfunction was identified as one of the major contributing factors to dry eye syndrome. In addition, patients with concomitant dry eye syndrome showed greater variability in corneal topographic parameters and reduced tolerance to contact lens wear. Conclusion. Dry eye syndrome has a high prevalence among patients with keratoconus and significantly affects the clinical course of the disease as well as diagnostic outcomes. Tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction are important factors that may aggravate the progression of keratoconus. The Schirmer test, TBUT, and OSDI questionnaire are recommended as effective diagnostic tools for the detection of dry eye syndrome. Early diagnosis and timely management of dry eye syndrome as part of the comprehensive treatment and follow- up of patients with keratoconus can improve visual quality andenhance treatment effectiveness.</jats:p>