Prolonged facemask wearing among hospital workers and dry eye - a mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Prolonged facemask use may exacerbate dry eye symptoms in essential workers.
• A mixed-methods study investigated the impact of facemasks on ocular surface health and dry eye in hospital staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between facemask use, periocular environment, and dry eye symptoms in hospital workers.
• To understand the impact of facemask type and fit on ocular surface disease.

Main Methods:

• Recruited clinical and non-clinical hospital workers reporting dry eye symptoms and prolonged facemask use.
• Assessed symptoms via Dry Eye Questionnaire and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
• Measured objective signs including corneal staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), meibography, and periocular humidity; conducted interviews for qualitative insights.

Main Results:

• 90% of participants reported worsened dry eye severity due to facemasks.
• Increased periocular humidity from masks did not prevent 66% experiencing increased eye airflow.
• Qualitative data indicated poorly fitted masks, especially around the nose, worsened symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Inadequately fitted facemasks pose discomfort and ocular surface health risks for healthcare providers and patients.
• Wearing a well-fitted facemask with a pliable nose wire can mitigate adverse effects from upward airflow.