What to do if your mask causes dry eye symptoms
(Photo by Heather Stanek)
With more people wearing masks due to COVID-19, additional folks are reporting experiencing dry eye, according to SSM Health.
Complaints of dry eye have increased in 2020, said Dr. Wendy Arrington, an optometrist with SSM Health Davis Deuhr Dean.
“People wearing poorly-fitting masks are especially vulnerable because more air is leaking out, and one place that air goes is up to your eyes,” Arrington said.
Dry eye is a common condition, and occurs when eyes don’t have enough tears for lubrication.
Symptoms can range from annoying to extremely uncomfortable. They include stinging or burning in the eyes; red or irritated eyes, especially when in wind or near smoke; blurred vision; stings of mucus in or around eyes; excessive tearing; difficulty wearing contact lenses; and feeling as though there is something in the eye.
Spending more time in front of a screen also increases the risk of dry eye, and people are doing more digital work due to COVID-19. This is because screens cause people to blink less or to not completely blink, according to Arrington.
Over-the-counter artificial tears can alleviate symptoms, but sufferers should also take breaks when looking at screens. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. When wearing a mask, make sure it fits, said Arrington. Taping the mask across the top of the news may prevent air leakage.
