Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
06:29
Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
2.4K
Impact of Mask-Associated Dry Eye on Symptom Score
Elaine Chen1, Erin Rueff, Andrew Loc Nguyen
1SCCO at MBKU (E.C., E.R., A.L.N.), Fullerton, CA; and California State University (A.L.N.), Fullerton, CA.
Eye & Contact Lens
|June 26, 2023
Summary
Mask use during COVID-19 can worsen dry eye symptoms, particularly in individuals with mild initial discomfort. Masks with nose wires may offer some protection against worsening dry eye.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Widespread mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been anecdotally linked to increased dry eye symptoms.
- Understanding the relationship between mask use and ocular surface health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mask use and the development or exacerbation of dry eye symptoms.
- To identify factors related to mask use that may influence dry eye severity.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional survey study was conducted.
- A modified Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire was administered before and after mask wear.
- Data collected included SPEED scores, mask wear time, mask style, and demographic information.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in the change of SPEED scores was observed between participants with mild versus severe baseline dry eye symptoms (P=0.03).
- Participants with more severe baseline symptoms reported using masks with nose wires more frequently than those with mild symptoms (P=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Dry eye symptoms were most aggravated by mask wear in individuals with mild initial symptom scores.
- The use of masks with nose wires might be protective, showing a correlation with less symptom exacerbation in the more severely affected group.
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