Changes in Tear-Film Status and Ocular Surface Disease Index Score Following Prolonged Use of Face Mask

Background: Dry eye is characterized by tear film instability, decreased tear volume and a high Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score. Face masks have been linked to dry eye complaints in recent studies. Purpose: To evaluate the changes in tear-film status and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score following prolonged use of face mask. Design: Cross-sectional study. Method: Patients between 18 to 70 years using masks regularly for at least 2 hours/day for at least 5 days/week from different eye-care centres in Dhaka were included. All subjects were divided into 4 groups. Mask use lasted approximately 2 hours/day in Group 1, 4 hours/day in Group 2, 6 hours/day in Group 3 and 8 hours or more/day in Group 4. Evaluation of symptoms, tear- film stability and tear volume was done by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, Tear-film Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 test. Average of right & left eye’s Tear-film Break Up time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 value were noted. Results: Total 100 patients were enrolled (n = 100). The TBUT (p < 0.001) and Schirmer-1 measurement (p = 0.01) were significantly lesser and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score were significantly higher in patients using face-masks for longer time (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients who wore masks for prolonged time had tear film instability, reduced tear volume and higher Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score.