The effect of COVID-19 pandemic and wearing face masks on ophthalmology practice: What is known so far? A narrative review

Abstract

Face masks, along with other preventive measures, can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Despite the positive effect of the mask in combating the virus, it has some negative effects on the human body that must be followed up on and reduced. In this study, we discuss the impact of wearing face masks on the eye and the common issues associated with using them. The literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Only articles published in English were included. A total of 39 relevant articles were deemed eligible. After the duplicate articles were removed, the titles and abstracts of 20 papers underwent full-text screening. The review comprised both prospective and retrospective investigations, case reports, and a series of reporting ocular symptoms following the use of face masks. The COVID-19 pandemic affected ophthalmology practices in managing patients. New factors must be considered, especially when dealing with anti-VEGF injections, such as the risk of endophthalmitis, tests and symptoms of patients with glaucoma, and the emerging symptoms associated with the COVID-19 vaccination. The use of face masks and breathing aids seemed to influence the tear film.

Face mask might increase the risk of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection

“…The widespread use of face masks as a method of preventing coronavirus transmission has been a change in ophthalmic clinical practice since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. 2 It is of great importance to determine whether its use can increase the risk of postintravitreal injection endophthalmitis (PIE) because of the devastating prognosis of this disease.…”

“…In practice, we observed retrograde airflow from the top of patient masks and subsequent studies found a higher burden of oral flora exposure to the ocular surface as a result. 2,3 It was, however, unclear whether such exposure did in fact increase infection risk. Contrarily, pandemic guidelines also increased rates of provider and ancillary staff mask use, which in turn could decrease oral flora exposure.…”