DR.MANPREET KAUR

DR. SRIDEVI NAIR, DR.MANPREET KAUR, Dr. J. S. TITIYAL

Abstract

To study impact of sealing upper mask edge on the ocular surface stability among N95 mask users

Methods

Prospective interventional cohort study (pre-post study) enrolled 40 healthcare workers (40 eyes). Pre-intervention VA, visual quality, ocular surface stability and dry-eye symptom score assessed after an 8-hour shift; subjects used a N95 mask without sealing upper mask edge. Upper mask edge was taped and subjects were reassessed after an 8-hour shift. Outcome measures were change in ocular surface stability, symptoms, VA and quality

Results

Mean age of cohort was 25.5±3.8yrs. Post intervention, TBUT improved from 7.0±1.7 to 8.4±3.1s (p<0.001), tear LLT improved from 45.6±15.2 to 53.6±16.0 μm (p<0.001) and TMH increased from 177.2±39.7 to 192.4±43.6 μm (p=0.01). 70% reported a symptom improvement (questionnaire). No difference in VA and quality Conclusion Sealing the upper mask edge led to better ocular surface stability; 70% subjects reported improvement in dry-eye symptoms

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