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Visual Field Artifacts in Glaucoma With Face Mask Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Nevin W El-Nimri1, Sasan Moghimi1, Murray Fingeret2,3
1Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, and Hamilton Glaucoma Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
Journal of Glaucoma
|October 29, 2020
Summary
Face mask fogging can cause artifacts in visual field testing for glaucoma patients. Securing masks to the nose bridge improves test reliability and avoids misdiagnosis of visual field defects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical technology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic altered outpatient care, impacting glaucoma management.
- Standard automated perimetry (SAP) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma.
Observation:
- Patients undergoing SAP while wearing surgical face masks reported fogging.
- This fogging led to low test reliability and unexpected results in visual field tests.
Findings:
- Mask-induced fogging can create artifacts mimicking glaucomatous visual field defects.
- Taping masks to the nose bridge improved test reliability and minimized artifacts.
- In one case, mask taping worsened visual field defects, suggesting fogging can mask true defects.
Implications:
- Awareness of mask fogging is essential for accurate glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring.
- Proper mask fit by taping can enhance the reliability of visual field testing.
- Minimizing artifacts reduces the need for unnecessary follow-up visits and interventions.
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