Face Mask-Associated Ocular Irritation and Dryness

As society continually adapts to the ever-developing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a new article of clothing has become part of our daily routine: the face mask. We wholeheartedly support the necessity of face masks for a safe reopening of communities; however, as with any intervention, there may be sequelae of regular mask use in the general population. Over recent weeks, we have become aware of potential effects on the eye specifically.

In our community and patient population, we have seen a marked increase in dry eye symptoms among regular mask users at multiple local clinics. This group includes individuals who have never previously suffered from dry eyes. Individuals using masks regularly for an extended duration appear more likely to show symptoms. This group includes the elderly, immunocompromised, and clinic staff who wear masks almost full-time.

We saw numerous individuals at our practice who were regular mask wearers, including both patients and staff. These individuals described a subjective worsening in symptoms assessed in the Ocular Surface Disease Index. Patients showed a deterioration in corneal staining, as well as a distinct increase in dryness reported by cataract patients on postoperative day 1. The majority of individuals described an awareness of air blowing upward from the mask into their eyes. This increased airflow likely accelerates the evaporation of the tear film which, when continuous for hours or days, may result in ocular surface irritation or inflammation. In addition to air convection, other factors are also likely at play. Staff members using taped masks to prevent air convection toward the eyes also complained of corneal irritation. In these cases, we postulate that the tape adhering to the skin of the upper cheek may interfere with the normal excursion of the lower eyelid, possibly inducing mechanical ectropion with secondary lagophthalmos.

Discussion of prolonged mask use and its effects on the eye is absent from the literature, although irritation of the eye has been described in similar situations. Exposure keratopathy has been documented as a result of lagophthalmos, ectropion, or mechanical ventilation [1, 2]. Devices that mechanically blow air around the face have also been found to affect the eye. One study showed an increase in dry eye symptoms with certain powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) [3]. Irritation and contact lens dryness were found in patients using chemical protection hoods that blow air across the inside of the face mask [4]. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks may cause ocular surface irritation due to air leakage or regurgitation through the nasolacrimal system [5, 6]. All of these studies suggest that increased air convection affects the eye; however, this process is not described in the context of face mask use.

Interestingly, some studies are also beginning to find dry eye symptoms in COVID-19-positive patients [7, 8]. While these articles suggest dry eye as a complication of the disease itself, we propose that these findings may be partially associated with mandatory, long-term mask use in these patients, rather than sole sequelae of COVID-19. The authors of another article briefly theorize that more frequent eye touching may increase virus transmission because of the uncomfortable feeling of air blowing from the face mask into the eyes [9].

While universal mask use in public is essential during the current pandemic to reduce disease transmission through the mouth and nose, the unprotected eye remains a vulnerable path of infection. This pathway may be further compromised by irritation from mask use. The tear film is an essential barrier against pathogenic invasion but may be compromised if mask use causes this barrier to evaporate more rapidly [10]. Discomfort from dry eyes may also increase eye rubbing and face touching behaviors, with attendant fomite transmission [9]. All of these factors together create an increased concern for ocular infections secondary to prolonged mask wear. This risk is particularly worrisome during the current pandemic due to a well-documented probability of the novel coronavirus spreading through contact with the eye [8, 10, 11].

If our observations of mask-associated ocular dryness and irritation prove to be consistent in all mask wearers, patients and providers need to be aware of these potential ramifications. Lubricant eye drops and eye protection, such as goggles, should be used in conjunction with masks. Additional care should be taken by individuals using masks for extended periods and by patients with prior history of dry eye disease, recent ophthalmic surgery, or other surface inflammatory diseases, such as Sjogren syndrome.

Masks with a pliable nose-wire should be used, with attention toward fitting the shape of the wire to prevent air being directed toward the eyes. Masks can also be taped at the top to impede upward airflow, but care should be taken to ensure that lower lid excursion is not inhibited. Patients experiencing dry eye symptoms from extended mask wear should take breaks every few hours to remove the mask, allow the eyes to recover, and reapply lubricant eye drops. Emollient eye drops may be the most effective in preventing symptoms by preserving tear film. Blinking exercises may also be beneficial.

With COVID-19 and accompanying face mask use likely projecting well into the future, eye dryness, irritation and keratopathy from mask wear may become a problem for a large percentage of the population. If present, this mask-associated ocular irritation raises concerns about eye health and increased risk of disease transmission in prolonged mask users. We invite our colleagues to take note of this possibility, educate patients on proactive eye care and protection, and encourage further observation of this issue.

This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.