DR. GAYATRI DEVI PALO

DR. SATYABRATA JENA, PROF PRASANTA KUMAR NANDA

Abstract

During COVID-19,we take precautions that include hand hygiene,social distancing and face mask.

The aim of our study is to determine if there is any dry eye changes related to the use of face mask.

An observational study on all patients attending the ophthalmology OPD in a tertiary care centre during August 2020 to July 2021,who presented with foreign body sensation and dryness of eye were studied.They were categorized according to the age,sex, type of face mask and its duration of use.

Result showed men have higher incidence of dry eye as compared to women.Age didn’t have much effect on dry eye status.Groups with prolong mask wearing showed higher incidence of dry eye as compared to groups using it for shorter period.Those using properly fitted face mask had less symptoms of dry eye.All of them were treated adequately.

Prevention is always better than cure.Patients should be made aware of the appropriate way of using the face mask which should be properly fitted to the face.