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Dry eye in mask wearers among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic

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Original Article

Author Details : Kaaviya Asokan, Bhagwati Wadwekar*, Renuka Srinivasan, Kandasamy Ravichandran

Volume : 10, Issue : 2, Year : 2024

Article Page : 355-362

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijceo.2024.063

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Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the proportion of dry eye among healthcare workers (HCWs) wearing masks and to find association of dry eye disease symptoms (DEDS), Tear film break up time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s test (ST) with sociodemographic factors, duration of mask wear, ill-fitting mask, and type of mask.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in tertiary care hospital among 384 HCW’s wearing mask. We took a detailed history, and did ocular examination, TBUT and ST.
Results: Of the 384 HCW’s, TBUT was found to be reduced in 89 (23.2%) participants. All DEDS had a significant association with TBUT (p value for burning =0.001; p value for irritation =0.003; p value for dryness < 0 P=0.026). P=0.00).> Conclusion: We found 23.2% HCWs had dry eye. They are at a higher risk of developing mask associated with dry eye. Mask associated dry eye was more common in females, doctors, and nurses and with ill-fitting mask.
 

Keywords: SARS­ covid, Schirmer's test, Dry eye symptoms, Ocular surface disease index, Tear film.

How to cite : Asokan K, Wadwekar B, Srinivasan R, Ravichandran K, Dry eye in mask wearers among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024;10(2):355-362

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