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KMID : 1011420220270010079
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Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
2022 Volume.27 No. 1 p.79 ~ p.87
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The Effect of Increased Face Mask-wearing on Dry Eye Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Kim Se-Jin
Kim Hyo-Jin
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Abstract
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Purpose: This study investigated the effect of prolonged face mask-wearing on dry eyes and ocular symptoms in adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods: The online survey responses of 138 adults were analyzed. The survey was conducted for two months from March 2021. The questionnaire included 7 items on general characteristics, 6 items on ocular symptoms related to mask-wearing for the prevention of COVID-19, and 7 mask-associated items. Ocular symptoms, including dry eyes, were described using “no symptoms,” “the same,” or “worse” after mask-wearing. The average daily duration of mask-wearing and wearing behaviors were also investigated.
Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 66.7% of the subjects wore a mask for an daily average of 5 hours or more. 52.2% of the subjects wore their masks correctly with nose coverage. 21.5% of the subjects reported worsening dry eye symptoms after mask-wearing. There were also reported cases of increased ocular redness and tearing (both 10.7%). During the pandemic, when the mask is not fitted well to the nose, and the mask is worn for more than 5 hours a day, individuals have an 8.24 times higher risk of having dry eye symptoms compared to the group that did not.
Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask has become a necessity in daily life, and in the group that wore ill-fitting masks for a prolonged period had a higher risk of associated dry eye symptoms. Preventive strategies against dry eyes and guidelines for ocular health management are urgently needed.
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KEYWORD
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Dry eye, Mask, Ocular redness, Tearing, COVID-19
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