Mask‐associated dry eye syndrome according to sex

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the mask on the ocular symptoms of dry eye, Mask‐Associated Dry Eye Syndrome (MADE syndrome); according to sex.Methods: The population was divided into two groups: wearers, and non‐wearers of masks. Then, these groups were divided by sex. The group without mask was obtained from a database of control subjects. The group of subjects with a mask were people who use it for at least 3 h in a row every day. Subjects with pathologies with ophthalmological repercussion or previous surgeries were excluded. Subjective questionnaires were performed: OSDI, SANDE and CLEDQ‐8 tests adapted to the use of a mask. Psychological symptoms were also studied with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). In addition, objective clinical signs were evaluated with Keratograph 5 M®, taking measurements of tear meniscus height, NIBUT and ocular redness.Results: Subjects without masks showed statistically significant differences between men and women in the values of ocular redness (p‐value < 0.01); and in the rates of depression and interpersonal sensitivity (p‐value < 0.01). The group of subjects with a mask show significant differences between men and women in the values of CLEDQ‐8 and OSDI (p‐value < 0.05) and SANDE (p‐value < 0.01). Differences were also observed in tear meniscus height (p‐value < 0.05) and ocular redness (p‐value < 0.01); and in somatization and interpersonal sensitivity (p‐value < 0.05); obsession‐compulsion, depression and psychoticism (p‐value < 0.01).Conclusions: The group of women with mask obtained an increase in the symptomatic tests compared to the group of men. The group of men showed higher values of ocular redness in mask carriers; but without the mask, the group of women showed the greatest redness. Finally, it was also observed that the group of women had an increase in BSI rates with and without wearing a mask; the first case being the most pronounced.