DR. SIDDHARTH KARAN

DR. MOHAMMED ILYAS GHORI, DR. SIDDHARTH KARAN, DR.FARAZ IRFAN

Abstract

In the healthcare setting, there has been a marked increase in dry eye symptoms among regular mask users, especially those who use them for long periods. Our study aimed to measure the prevalence of MADE in a healthcare setting using an online survey form that included an OSDI questionnaire.

The period of study was July 28 to September 15, 2021. A total of 310 responses were analyzed. 147 participants had symptoms of Dry Eye Disease (DED) based on their OSDI scores, of which 21 participants reported that their symptoms were exacerbated when wearing a mask and 37 participants had new onset of symptoms after they started wearing a mask. Thus, the total number of participants having MADE was 18.7% (n=58). Participants with refractive errors and screen time >6 hours also had higher OSDI scores which were statistically significant (p< .05). It is recommended that ophthalmologists spread awareness of MADE and conduct regular screening for DED among healthcare professionals and patients.