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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
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
Real or MADE-up: Investigating Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) as an emerging syndrome.
Michelle Ai Ling Teo1, Eoin O' Sullivan2, Bhupendra C K Patel3
1King's College Hospital, NHS Trust, London, UK. michelleteo@nhs.net.
Eye (London, England)
|January 8, 2024
Summary
Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) is unlikely to cause significant ocular issues, despite some studies suggesting mild irritation. Evidence quality is low, and a new syndrome is not supported.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread face mask use.
- Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) has been proposed as a consequence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the existing evidence on Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE).
- To evaluate the impact of face mask usage on ocular surface health.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE.
- 26 studies investigating MADE were critically appraised for quality and findings.
Main Results:
- Most studies (26) had poor design quality.
- Limited evidence suggests mild ocular surface irritation from masks, but with low certainty.
- Observed changes in tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer's test, corneal staining, and OSDI scores were minimal or contradictory.
Conclusions:
- The quality of evidence for MADE is low, with significant methodological limitations.
- It is unlikely that significant ocular surface pathology will develop in most mask wearers.
- Insufficient data currently supports the establishment of MADE as a distinct syndrome.
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