Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) in University of Mostar Students

Abstract

Background: The aim of this research was to examine the frequency of mask-associated dry eye in students from the University of Mostar and to compare the incidence among students in different study programs.

Methods: The study included 56 participants. The first group comprised 31 biomedical students, and the second was composed of 25 students from other fields. The participants were given a modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and were subjected to Schirmer and tear break-up time (TBUT) tests for an objective assessment of dry eye.

Main findings: Participants who wore a facemask for 3-6 hours (h) a day had significantly lower TBUT test results (Z = -2.172, p = 0.030), lower Schirmer test values (Z = -1.962, p = 0.050) and higher OSDI scores (Z = 2.095, p = 0.036), compared to participants who wore one for less than 3 h a day. Moreover, women had a statistically higher OSDI score compared to men (Z = 2.052, p = 0.040).

Principal conclusion: Participants who wore masks for longer hours had more objectively defined dry eye demonstrated by the Schirmer and TBUT tests. The study showed that biomedical students did not wear facemasks longer than average, or at least not long enough to indicate a significant difference.