ABSTRACT

Background: Wearing of face masks at public places has been made compulsory since the beginning of the COVID - 19 pandemic. Continuous wearing of face mask has led to some worry with mask being considered as uncomfortable or inconvenient, continued use of mask have been associated with complaints of headache, breathing difficulty, skin irritation, sweating and fogged glasses called altogether as mask associated dry eye (MADE). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the mask associated dry eyes among the HCW (Doctors, Nurses, Paramedical staff) at one study centre. Methods: In an observational cross - sectional clinical study, 100 healthcare workers from healthcare centres in Navi Mumbai of either sex in the age group of 20 to 45 years both inclusive, using face mask were included after obtaining written informed consent from them. After enrolment in the study, detailed history of participants was taken and they were asked to fill in the questionnaire. The individuals were assessed for the symptoms of dry eye such as soreness, scratchiness, dryness, glitziness and burning sensation. The Schirmer’s test was performed by the ophthalmologists. Results: Almost all individuals wearing mask for more than 7 hours in a day exhibit the dry eye symptoms such as soreness, scratchiness, dryness, glitziness and burning sensation with statistically significant difference on comparison with individuals not wearing mask for more than 7 hours in a day. Schimer’s test values showed that the dry eyes were experienced more by the individuals who used to wear masks continuous for more than seven hours. Conclusion: The present observational study confirmed the presence of mask-associated dry eye (MADE), in healthcare workers and if wearing a face mask lasts longer than 7 hours per day. Keywords: dry eye, MADE, face mask, COVID - 19
Publication date: 01/08/2023

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/August/MS_IJBPAS_2023_7312.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.8.7312