Purpose

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.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was distributed using Google Forms through different social media platforms.

Results

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.

Conclusions

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.

中文翻译：

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口罩相关干眼症的自我报告症状：一项针对 3,605 人的调查研究

目的

在 COVID-19 大流行期间，建议广泛使用口罩作为防止 SARS-CoV-2 传播的关键措施。据报道，经常戴口罩的人干眼症状显着增加，但文献中尚未描述这种情况的普遍性。这项观察性、描述性和横断面研究的目的是测量一般人群中自我报告的面罩相关干眼症的症状，并确定影响这种情况的因素。

方法

使用谷歌表单通过不同的社交媒体平台分发了一项匿名在线调查。

结果

共分析了 3,605 份调查。在有症状的 2,447 名参与者中，658 名 (26.9%) 参与者报告说，他们在戴口罩时症状加重，因此 18.3% 的参与者出现与口罩相关的干眼症。感知到的与面罩相关的干眼症与年龄、屈光矫正和先前存在的眼部不适之间没有显着关联，而与女性和零售工作呈正相关。

结论

尽管这项调查的结果显示，大多数人报告戴口罩时眼部症状没有变化，但很大一部分人报告戴口罩时眼部不适增加。由于必须使用口罩来减缓 COVID-19 的传播，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。眼保健专业人员应核实所有抱怨面罩引起的眼部不适的患者是否存在临床症状，并建议减轻这种情况的方法。