RT Journal Article
T1 Influence of Face Masks on the Use of Contact Lenses
A1 Álvarez Peregrina, Cristina
A1 Sánchez Tena, Miguel Ángel
A1 Martínez Pérez, Clara
A1 Monteiro, Bruno
A1 Soares, Mafalda
A1 Portugues, Fatima
A1 Matos, Sonia
A1 Ferreira, Ana
AB Background: The COVID-19 epidemic is largely controlled by the use of face masks. The use of a face mask has been indicated as a strong cause of dry eye, although it is not yet described in the literature. This study aims to compare the impact of the use of masks on the visual quality of patients. The symptoms in the human eye intensified during the pandemic versus the symptoms before the pandemic, in a Portuguese population. Methods: A fifteen-question questionnaire was conducted to find out what changes occurred in the use of soft contact lenses during the pandemic in relation to the use of masks. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 27.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The use of contact lenses decreased compared with before the pandemic (p < 0.001). The number of hours of wear decreased significantly compared with before the pandemic (p < 0.001). The sensation of dry eyes was found to be worse in those using monthly replacement contact lenses (p = 0.034), and the need to remove contact lenses was more frequent in women (p = 0.026) after using a mask. Conclusions: Mask use increases dry eye symptoms in contact lens wearers, negatively impacting visual quality.
PB MPDI
SN 1660-4601
YR 2021
FD 2021-07-11
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/4764
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/4764
LA eng
NO Martinez-Perez C, Monteiro B, Soares M, Portugues F, Matos S, Ferreira A, Alvarez-Peregrina C, Sánchez-Tena MÁ. Influence of Face Masks on the Use of Contact Lenses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(14):7407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147407
DS Docta Complutense
RD 24 dic 2025