School of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences (Optics and Optometry), University of Florence (UNIFI), Italy; Institute for Research and Study in Optics and Optometry (IRSOO), Vinci, Italy.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2022 Apr;45(2):101408. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.01.003. Epub 2021 Jan 20.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the widespread use of face masks was recommended as a key measure against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. A marked increase in dry eye symptoms among regular mask users was reported, but the prevalence of this condition has not been described in the literature yet. The aim of this observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was to measure self-reported symptoms of mask-associated dry eye in the general population and to identify factors influencing this condition.
An anonymous online survey was distributed using Google Forms through different social media platforms.
A total of 3,605 surveys were analysed. Of the 2,447 having symptoms, 658 (26.9 %) participants reported their symptoms were exacerbated when wearing a mask, thus 18.3 % of all participants experienced mask-associated dry eye. There was no significant association between perceived mask-associated dry eye and age, refractive correction, and pre-existing ocular discomfort, while a positive association was observed with female sex and retail work.
Although the results of this survey showed that most people reported no change in ocular symptoms while wearing a face mask, a significant proportion reported an increase in ocular discomfort when wearing a face mask. As face masks are necessary to slow down the spread of COVID-19, it is important not to underestimate all symptoms that could discourage the population from using them. Eye care professionals should verify the presence of clinical signs in all patients complaining about mask-induced eye discomfort, and suggest methods to mitigate this condition.
在 COVID-19 大流行期间，广泛建议使用口罩作为防止 SARS-CoV-2 传播的关键措施。据报道，经常戴口罩的人出现明显的干眼症状增加，但这种情况的患病率尚未在文献中描述。本观察性、描述性和横断面研究的目的是测量普通人群中自我报告的与口罩相关的干眼症状，并确定影响这种情况的因素。
使用 Google 表单通过不同的社交媒体平台分发匿名在线调查。
共分析了 3605 份调查。在有症状的 2447 人中，有 658 人（26.9%）报告他们的症状在戴口罩时加重，因此 18.3%的参与者出现了与口罩相关的干眼。感知的与口罩相关的干眼与年龄、屈光矫正和预先存在的眼部不适之间没有显著关联，而与女性和零售工作呈正相关。
尽管这项调查的结果表明，大多数人报告在戴口罩时眼部症状没有变化，但相当一部分人报告在戴口罩时眼部不适增加。由于戴口罩是减缓 COVID-19 传播的必要措施，因此重要的是不要低估可能阻止人们使用口罩的所有症状。眼科保健专业人员应在所有抱怨口罩引起眼睛不适的患者中检查是否存在临床体征，并建议缓解这种情况的方法。
