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Investigating Mask-Associated Dry Eye and Contributing Factors in Healthcare Providers
Kathryn S Park1, Bryanna J Lee1, Michael J Ang1
1Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 7, 2025
Summary
Face masks significantly worsen dry eye symptoms for healthcare providers, increasing ocular surface disease index scores and reducing tear breakup time. Wearing glasses may offer some protection against these effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Face mask usage became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Healthcare providers are particularly susceptible to prolonged mask use.
- Mask-associated dry eye is an emerging concern impacting healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of dry eye symptoms in healthcare providers wearing face masks.
- To assess the impact of mask use on ocular surface parameters.
- To evaluate the influence of glasses, contact lenses, and mask types on dry eye indicators.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 50 healthcare providers and 10 controls.
- Ocular surface assessments included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear osmolarity, tear breakup time (TBUT), and Schirmer I test.
- Advanced assessments utilized LipiView™ for lipid layer thickness (LLT) and Meibomian gland dropout (MGd).
Main Results:
- Mask use correlated with significantly higher OSDI scores and reduced TBUT in healthcare providers compared to controls.
- No significant changes were noted in tear osmolarity, LLT, MGd, or Schirmer I test results.
- Wearing glasses showed a correlation with a smaller decrease in TBUT.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged mask use exacerbates dry eye symptoms and reduces tear stability.
- Healthcare providers experiencing mask-associated dry eye may benefit from interventions.
- Further research is warranted to explore protective measures, including eyewear, against mask-associated dry eye.
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