Abstract
BackgroundMouth-nose masks have been requested to prevent the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of the present study was to investigate, if wearing a mouth-nose mask impairs the visual field function in normals.MethodsThirty eyes of 30 subjects were recruited for the present study. White-on-white perimetry (OCTOPUS 900; 90°) was done and sensitivity was analysed in 14 defined test points (P1-P14, inferior visual field) under 3 different test conditions while the subjects were wearing a mouth-nose mask: (I) 1.5 cm under the lower eyelid, nose clip not used (position1.5cm_no_clip); (II) 1.5 cm under the lower eyelid, nose clip correctly positioned (position1.5cm_with_clip); (III) 0.5 cm under the lower eyelid, nose clip correctly positioned (position0.5cm_with_clip). All data were compared to sensitivity without wearing a mouth-nose mask (reference). Mean Δ was calculated, being the difference between the results of each test condition and reference, respectively.ResultsSensitivity was significantly different between position1.5cm_no_clip and reference at 10 test points (p<0.05). Sensitivity at test point P7 was significantly different between position1.5cm_with_clip and position0.5cm_with_clip compared to reference (p<0.001), respectively. Mean Δ increased while wearing a mask at P7: position1.5cm_with_clip (-8.3 dB ± 7.3 dB) < position0.5cm_with_clip (-11.3 dB ± 9.5 dB) < position1.5cm_no_clip (-20.1 dB ± 7.6 dB).ConclusionVisual field function was observed to be significantly impaired in the inferior-nasal sector while persons were wearing a mouth-nose mask, especially when the nose clip was not correctly used.
Highlights
Visual field can be impaired due to diverse diseases mostly by ocular and neurological disorders
White-on-white perimetry (OCTOPUS 900; 90 ̊) was done and sensitivity was analysed in 14 defined test points (P1P14, inferior visual field) under 3 different test conditions while the subjects were wearing a mouth-nose mask: (I) 1.5 cm under the lower eyelid, nose clip not used; (II) 1.5 cm under the lower eyelid, nose clip correctly positioned; (III) 0.5 cm under the lower eyelid, nose clip correctly positioned
Visual field function was observed to be significantly impaired in the inferior-nasal sector while persons were wearing a mouth-nose mask, especially when the nose clip was not correctly used
Summary
Visual field can be impaired due to diverse diseases mostly by ocular (e.g. glaucoma [1, 2], retinitis pigmentosa [3], diabetic retinopathy [4]) and neurological disorders (e.g. stroke [5], cancer [6]). Static perimetry is more suitable for detecting small changes of sensitivity, especially in the central part of the visual field, than kinetic ones. It is used more commonly for diagnosis of diseases with a more central affection (e.g. glaucoma) [7]. It is important to analyse the functional impact of a disorder without any side-effects. This enables an exact initial diagnosis and unbiased follow-up. The aim of the present study was to investigate, if wearing a mouth-nose mask impairs the visual field function in normals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
