Dry eye in mask wearers among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

To estimate the proportion of dry eye among healthcare workers (HCWs) wearing masks and to find association of dry eye disease symptoms (DEDS), Tear film break up time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s test (ST) with sociodemographic factors, duration of mask wear, ill-fitting mask, and type of mask.: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in tertiary care hospital among 384 HCW’s wearing mask. We took a detailed history, and did ocular examination, TBUT and ST.:Of the 384 HCW’s, TBUT was found to be reduced in 89 (23.2%) participants. All DEDS had a significant association with TBUT (p value for burning =0.001; p value for irritation =0.003; p value for dryness < 0.001). Among the HCWs female gender, occupation of doctors and nurses had a significant association with DEDS. One hundred and fifty (39.1%) were using combined masks. N95 was used mostly by doctors 75(81.5%). Burning sensation in the eyes was common in those wearing combined and N95 mask. Two seventy-one (70.5%) participants used masks for 8 or more hours per day and had a significant burning sensation (P=0.026). one hundred and twenty-two (68.3%) participants who were using masks for more than 12 months showed a significant dryness (P=0.00). TBUT and DEDS had a significant association with awareness of airflow.:We found 23.2% HCWs had dry eye. They are at a higher risk of developing mask associated with dry eye. Mask associated dry eye was more common in females, doctors, and nurses and with ill-fitting mask.