Mask-Associated Dry Eye During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

PurposeConcerns about limiting viral spread during the Covid-19 pandemic have led to a worldwide increase in the use of face masks. It was proposed that the use of face masks has increased the prevalence of dry eye symptoms. This study was aimed to investigate whether regular face mask use as a key measure against Covid-19 could be associated with development of dry eye- the "Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE)".MethodsA total of 27145 patients admitted to a tertiary university hospital ophthalmology clinic were included in this study. Hospital admission rates due to dry eye before and during Covid-19 pandemic were noted and the mean differences were calculated with a two proportion Z-test.ResultsThe mean difference of hospital admission rates due to dry eye was found to be statistically significant (p< 0.01). Before the Covid-19 pandemic, dry eye admission rate proportions were found significantly lower than during Covid-19 pandemic dry eye admission rate proportions (p<0.01). ConclusionsIt was demonstrated an association between face mask use and increased prevalence of dry eye patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the global impact the Covid-19 pandemic has, further research is necessary to determine the significance of MADE and inform patients about potential preventative measures from mask associated dry eye disease.