The Effect of Mask Use on the Ocular Surface During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives:The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in Wuhan, China in October 2019 and spread rapidly all over the world, making extended mask use an inescapable rule of daily life. Literature data indicate that the use of face masks increases the symptoms of dry eye in addition to preventing the spread of COVID-19. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between the clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye and the duration of mask use in healthy individuals using regular face masks.Materials and Methods:Thirty-five patients aged 20-60 years with no additional ophthalmologic pathology were included in the study. Participants were stratified by duration of face mask use: ≤6 hours/day (group 1) and >6 hours/day (group 2). The patients were assessed with the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, fluorescein ocular surface staining, and tear break-up time (TBUT) to evaluate the effect of extended mask use on the ocular surface.Results:A total of 62 eyes of 35 patients, 20 women (57.1%) and 15 men (42.9%), were included in the study. The two mask use duration groups had similar OSDI values (p=0.618). When the ocular surface staining pattern was examined according to the Oxford scale, 50% (10/20) of the eyes in group 1 were assessed as stage 1 and the other 10 eyes as stage 0. In group 2, 47.6% (20/42) of the eyes were assessed as grade 1, 11.9% (5/42) as grade 2, and 4.7% (2/42) as grade 3.Conclusion:Face mask use was shown to cause decreased TBUT and ocular surface staining even in healthy individuals. Further studies are needed to investigate changes in tear film after extended daily mask use

Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties Between the Two Eyes in Unilateral Exfoliation Syndrome Cases

Pur po se: To compare the differences in corneal biomechanical parameters between the eyes of patients with unilateral exfoliation syndrome (ES), bilateral ES and normal subjects. Ma te ri al and Met hod: Thirty patients with unilateral ES (Group A), 32 bilateral ES patients (Group B) and 49 healthy subjects (Group C) were included in this cross-sectional, non-interventional study. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) and Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) were measured using Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. The differences in ORA parameters between the eyes of the study and control group participants were analyzed. Re sults: In unilateral ES patients, the mean CH values for eyes with and without exfoliation material were 8.6±2.1 mm Hg and 9.1±1.7 mm Hg, respectively (p=0.004). On the other hand, the differences in both mean CRF and CCT between the two eyes in unilateral ES cases were not statistically significant (p>0.05 for both comparisons). IOPcc was significantly higher in ES eyes than in non-ES eyes (19.3±2.9 mm Hg vs. 17.1±2.7 mm Hg) (p 0.05 for all comparisons). Dis cus si on: In unilateral ES subjects, CH was found to be significantly lower in the eyes with exfoliation. Further studies are needed to establish the relationships between exfoliation, ocular biomechanics and glaucoma. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2012; 42: 269-7

The Effect of Contact Lens Usage on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters in Keratoconus Patients

Pur po se: To determine and compare the corneal biomechanical properties in keratoconus patients using rigid gas permeable contact lenses and keratoconus patients who do not use contact lenses. Ma te ri al and Met hod: The study consisted of 70 healthy controls (Group A), 27 ketatoconus subjects who do not use contact lens (Group B) and 36 rigid gas permeable contact lens using keratoconic patients (Group C). Corneal viscoelastic parameters were measured with an Ocular response analyzer (ORA). Central corneal thickness was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. The differences in ORA parameters between the groups were compared. Re sults: The mean corneal hysteresis (CH) in Groups A, B, and C were 10.3±1.5 mm Hg, 7.8±1.4 mm Hg, and 7.4±1.2 mm Hg, respectively. The differences in mean CH between Group A and the other two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01 for both comparisons), but no statistically significant difference was found between groups B and C in terms of mean CH (p=0.61). The mean corneal resistance factor (CRF) was 10.7±1.9 in Group A compared with 6.6±1.6 in Group B and 6.1±1.5 in Group C. The differences in mean CRF between Group A and the other two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01 for both comparisons). There was no significant difference in CRF between the keratoconus eyes with or without rigid gas permeable contact lens usage (p=0.57). Dis cus si on: Our results suggest that ORA-generated parameters may be different in subjects with keratoconus. Corneal biomechanical parameters did not demonstrate a clear trend of change with rigid gas permeable contact lens usage. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2012; 42: 197-201