DR. KAAVIYA ASOKAN

Dr.BHAGWATI WADWEKAR, Dr. RENUKA SRINIVASAN

Abstract

Aim: To estimate the proportion of dry eye among health care workers wearing masks for prolonged period and to find association between type of mask, duration of mask wear and dry eye.

Introduction: As health workers wear the mask for prolonged periods, they are at risk of developing mask associated dry eye.

Methods: This is a cross sectional hospital-based study conducted in our hospital among 384 healthcare workers. A detailed history was followed by ocular examination related to dry eye. Schirmer’s test, tear film breakup time and tear film height was done.

Results: Schirmers test was less than 5mm in 26(6.7%). TBUT was abnormal in 39(10.16%). Prolonged use of mask was found to be associated with reduced Schirmer’s test values(p-value=0.032).

Conclusion: As health workers wear the mask for prolonged periods, they are at risk of developing mask associated dry eye. Eye protection and management of dryness and irritation is an important consideration for long-term mask users

Full Text