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Face Masks May Increase the Risk of Dry, Irritated Eyes

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Face masks have become a part of everyday life in the past two years because of the pandemic. While face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they can cause many other unwanted side effects, such as dry, irritated eyes or even a condition called dry eye.

What Is Mask-associated Dry Eye (MADE)?

Mask-associated dry eye (MADE) has affected most of the United States’ population. It occurs when exhaled air channels up out of the face mask and over the eye’s surface. Increased air over the eye evaporates tears more quickly and makes the eyes irritated, gritty, itchy and watery.

One study found that three groups were more susceptible to MADE:

  • Females
  • People who have a history of dry eye disease
  • Anyone wearing a mask longer than three hours per day

Other causes of MADE include prolonged face mask usage in air conditioning and increased use of digital devices.

How You Can Prevent MADE

Face masks are not going away soon, but you can take several steps to alleviate MADE.

  1. Learn the appropriate way to wear a face mask. Make sure your face mask fits closely to your nose, or tape the top of your mask to direct airflow downward.
  2. Limit your time in air conditioning or windy weather.
  3. Take regular breaks from digital devices. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
  4. Try lubricating drops if your eyes feel itchy, gritty or uncomfortable. Ask your eye doctor before using any new product.
  5. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Diagnose Dry Eye Disease

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam? A complete eye exam with dilation can detect and diagnose common eye conditions like dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Preventing eye disease is always preferable to treating it. Let us help you find a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area. Click here to use our Find a Physician locator tool.

Visit Your Eye Doctor to Treat Your Pandemic-Related Dry Eye

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More patients are visiting the eye doctor during the pandemic due to increased screen time and subsequent dry eye syndrome.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. It results when the tear glands do not make sufficient tears to lubricate the eyes. Untreated, dry eye can cause significant discomfort and vision problems, so it is best to visit an eye doctor for relief.

Dry Eye Cases Increasing in the United States

Eye care specialists are seeing increased numbers of patients during the pandemic. COVID-19 quarantine and lockdowns have forced much of the American workforce and school systems to go remote, and eye health is suffering. Staring at computer and smartphone screens all day can decrease the blink rate by 33 percent and cause eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eye (Medical Xpress).

It is essential to seek treatment for dry eye because, when severe, it can lead to severe vision complications, including:

  1. Surface damage to the eyes. Severe dry eye can result in inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and loss of vision.
  2. Eye infections. Natural tears protect the eyes from infection. Inadequate tear production can put the eyes at risk for invasion from germs and bacteria.
  3. Decreased quality of life. Dry eye can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading and driving.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Anyone can get dry eye, regardless of age. Typical symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Red eyes
  • Stinging or burning of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • A scratchy feeling in the eye

Natural Treatments for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, call your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. In the meantime, you can try some of these natural treatments:

  1. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  2. Take regular breaks from screens. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something at least 20 feet away to refocus your eyes.
  3. Position your computer screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes as wide.
  4. Quit smoking or avoid areas where people smoke.
  5. Try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

Annual comprehensive eye exams are an essential part of preventive care. Eye exams offer a window to your overall health, and your ophthalmologist will test you for several eye diseases as well as evaluate your eye prescription. Find an eye care specialist in your area.

Dry eye can be dangerous: 7 ways to treat and prevent it

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Almost five million Americans 50 and older are thought to have dry eye, with the highest incidence among post-menopausal women. Aside from being uncomfortable and annoying, dry-eye syndrome can also permanently harm your vision.

When left untreated, dry eye can cause light sensitivity and blurred vision. Furthermore, under lubricated eyes are more susceptible to scratches or infection.So how do you treat it?

The following home remedies are good first steps:

  1. Use a humidifier
  2. Wear glasses instead of contacts
  3. Take frequent breaks when staring at computer or TV screens
  4. Sleep for at least eight hours each night
  5. Avoid smoke
  6. Wear sunglasses or a hat
  7. Drink at least six glasses of water per day

If you try those but your dry eye persists, consider an over-the-counter eye lubricant drop. These come in the form of gels or ointments and can provide immediate relief.

If you still experience trouble after that, contact your physician. He or she can provide you with prescription-strength eye drops or, if necessary, discuss surgical options with you. This might include an outpatient procedure to provide punctal plugs, which temporarily close the small duct where tears drain from the eye.

Request an appointment to find out more about your options.