J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2023 May;64(5):367-373. 10.3341/jkos.2023.64.5.367.

Effect of Loose Masks on Tear-film Break-up Time

• Lee J
• Ahn M
• Choi J
• Park M

• KMID: 2542173
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2023.64.5.367

Abstract

Purpose
We investigated the the effect of wearing a loose mask on tear-film break-up time using cross-sectional and experimental methods.
Methods
This was a comparative analysis of non-invasive tear-film break-up time (NIBUT) after wearing no mask, loose mask, and tight mask for 10 minutes each in 60 eyes with or without dry eye syndrome. NIBUT measurements were performed using a keratograph.
Results
The NIBUT values were 7.53 ± 0.83 seconds, 6.19 ± 0.78 seconds, and 7.36 ± 0.68 seconds for the no mask, loose mask, and tight mask groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the no mask and tight mask groups (ρ-value = 0.517), but the loose mask group had a significantly reduced NIBUT compared with the other groups (ρ-value = 0.013 and 0.022, respectively).
Conclusions
Wearing a loose mask reduced the tear-film break-up time regardless of the presence or absence of dry eyes and may cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.

Keyword

Dry eye disease, Keratograph, NIBUT