Face Mask in COVID-19 and Its Association With Dry Eye Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours/day leads to the new onset of symptoms or worsening of pre-existing dry eye disease (DED) in healthcare workers (HCWs) of our institute.Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study, where 114 HCWs using face masks regularly participated voluntarily in the study. A survey with a modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed by participants. They were divided into groups based on their sex, age, how long they had been wearing face masks, and whether they had a history of DED.Results: We found that for HCWs who had previously experienced DED and who were under the age of 40, wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours/day could contribute to or worsen symptoms of DED. Also, we observed that the N-95 mask has a higher chance of causing DED than surgical masks.Conclusion: Medical professionals need to be aware of any potential dry eye symptoms related to the prolonged use of a face mask. Additional consideration should be given to patients who already have DED. The possible concerns that incorrectly fitted facemasks may cause to the health of their ocular surface should be discussed with patients by ophthalmologists. Future research involving larger populations will shed light on the prevalence and scope of the mask-associated dry eye problem.

Prolonged Face Mask Wearing Worsens Self-Reported Dry Eye Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Healthcare Practitioners

“…In a recent study, Shalaby et al ( 25 ) reported a greater risk for DED symptoms with surgical masks than with N95 particulate respirator masks. In contrast, a study by Motwani reported a significantly greater risk with N95 than with a surgical mask ( 27 ). According to research by Azzam et al, using a N95 mask was linked to higher symptoms of dry eyes than using a surgical mask ( 24 ).…”

“…women had a higher prevalence than men. The relationship between female gender and DED has been shown in a large number of studies ( 15 , 27 ). In this study, 68.6% of dentists who reported MADE symptoms wore a face mask over 6 hours a day at work, and the duration of face mask wearing was statistically longer compared to previous DED and non-DED participants.…”

“…However, when comparing instances where a mask was worn all day, we could not detect a statistically significant difference regarding the OSDI score, which may be because of an uneven distribution (only 95 dentists wore a mask less than 6 hours in one whole day, while the majority, 312 of them, wore it more than 6 hours during one whole day). In a recent study, Motwani et al ( 27 ) found that wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours per day could exacerbate or increase the symptoms of DED among healthcare professionals who had previously had the condition and were under the age of 40. According to research by Alsulami et al ( 31 ) among female nursing staff, wearing a mask for more than six hours per day was substantially related to moderate to severe DED.…”

Biodegradable microneedle acupuncture has equivalent efficacy to traditional intradermal acupuncture for dry eye disease: A pilot single-blinded, randomized controlled trial

“…[5] Furthermore, the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic has also contributed to an increase in DED Medicine because of prolonged facial mask wearing and excessive digital media use. [6,7] Conventional medicine has presented diverse therapies for DED, including artificial tears (AT), topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, intranasal agents, and punctal occlusion. [8] However, these are not considered fundamental therapies, and they have several side effects.…”

“…[ 5 ] Furthermore, the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic has also contributed to an increase in DED because of prolonged facial mask wearing and excessive digital media use. [ 6 , 7 ]…”