Objective To compare tear fluid levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and IL-1ß cytokines between healthcare workers wearing facial masks and controls with correlations in clinical findings. Methods In a prospective, controlled clinical trial tear fluid was analyzed for MMP-9 and IL-1ß levels using a commercially available test (Invitrogen; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Symptoms and signs of dry eye disease (DED) were evaluated using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), Oxford corneal staining, meibomiography, and clinical findings of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Results In the 38 eyes of healthcare workers and 30 eyes of controls, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age and sex ( p > 0.05). The mean OSDI score, daily mask wear time, meibomiography degree, and rate of positive clinical findings of MGD were higher in group 1 than in group 2, and the mean NIBUT was higher in group 2. ( p > 0.05). The mean values of IL-1ß and MMP-9 were higher in group 1 ( p = 0.036 and p = 0.001, respectively). The TMH and Oxford score percentages were similar between the two groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Elevated levels of IL-1ß and MMP-9 in the basal tear fluid reveal increased ocular inflammation in healthcare professionals. Lower NIBUT values with higher OSDI and meibomian gland loss scores support ocular surface disturbance depending on regular mask use.

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Objective: To compare tear fluid levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and IL-1ß cytokines between healthcare workers wearing facial masks and controls with correlations in clinical findings. Methods: In a prospective, controlled clinical trial tear fluid was analyzed for MMP-9 and IL-1ß levels using a commercially available test (Invitrogen; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Symptoms and signs of dry eye disease (DED) were evaluated using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), Oxford corneal staining, meibomiography, and clinical findings of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Results: In the 38 eyes of healthcare workers and 30 eyes of controls, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age and sex (p>0.05). The mean OSDI score, daily mask wear time, meibomiography degree, and rate of positive clinical findings of MGD were higher in group 1 than in group 2, and the mean NIBUT was higher in group 2. (p>0.05). The mean values of IL1-ß and MMP-9 were higher in group 1 (p=0.036 and p =0.001, respectively). The TMH and Oxford score percentages were similar between the two groups (p>0.05) Conclusions: Elevated levels of IL-1ß and MMP-9 in the basal tear fluid reveal increased ocular inflammation in healthcare professionals. Lower NIBUT values with higher OSDI and meibomian gland loss scores support ocular surface disturbance depending on regular mask use.

Introduction: To introduce the surgical results and examine the effect of intraocular tamponades on surgical outcomes in patients with coexisting macular hole (MH) and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) without high myopia. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional, two-center study was carried out with 29 eyes of 29 patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the intraocular tamponade used in surgery: silicone oil (Group 1) and C3F8 gas (Group 2). In all patients, the internal limiting membrane was peeled during surgery. Exclusion criteria were determined as RRD with MH due to high myopia (≥6 Dpt) without peripheral retinal tears and traumatic MH. Results: In Group 1, the median preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 3.0 (M±SD:2.85±0.27) logMAR, while the median postoperative BCVA was 1.0 (M±SD:1.39±0.83) logMAR (p <0.001). In Group 2, the median preoperative BCVA was 3.0 (M±SD:2.37±0.93) logMAR, while the median postoperative BCVA was 0.76 (M±SD:1.06±0.86) logMAR (p = 0.008). The retinal attachment success rate was 15/17 (89.3%) in Group 1, and 11/12 (91.7%) in Group 2 (p = 0.64). MH closure rate was 12/17 (71.6%) in Group 1, and 10/12 (78.1%) in Group 2 (p= 0.52). No difference was determined between the groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative BCVA, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, and BCVA improvement. Conclusions: The study results showed no significant difference between using silicone oil or C3F8 gas as an intraocular tamponade after internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with RRD due to peripheral tear with coexisting MH.