DR. SIDDHARAM JANTI

DR. ARVIND KUMAR MORYA, DR.RAJA A M

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether wearing face mask (FM) for more than 3-6 hours/day leads to the new onset of symptoms or worsening of pre-existing dry eye disease (DED) in HCWs of our institute. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study, where 114 Health care workers (HCWs) using FM participated in the study. A survey with a modified OSDI questionnaire was completed by participants. They were divided into groups based on their sex, age, how long they had been wearing FM, and whether they had a history of DED. Results: We observed that presence of prior DED, age < 40 years, females and wearing a FM longer than 3-6 hours/day, could contribute to or worsen the symptoms of DED. Also, we observed N-95 mask has more chances of causing DED than surgical masks.Conclusion - Ophthalmologist need to be aware of any potential dry eye symptoms related to the prolonged use of face mask and inform patients about risks that improperly fitted FM may pose to the health of their ocular surface.