Impact of face mask usage on physiological and histological ocular surface features of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers

Abstract

Background: To assess the impact of prolonged face mask use on the physiological and histological features of the ocular surface in hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers. Materials and methods: A single-blind cohort study was conducted among neophyte contact lens wearers aged 18-25 years, divided into hydrogel and silicone hydrogel groups. Tear film parameters were evaluated using noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), meibomian gland loss (MGL), ocular redness (OR), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. Impression cytology samples from the nasal bulbar conjunctiva were collected using 0.22 μm micropore, 5 mm × 3 mm cellulose acetate filter paper to assess goblet cell count (GCC). Multivariate analyses of variance with Tukey post hoc analysis was used to compare the outcomes between face mask wear and nonwear conditions. Results: A significant decrease in NITBUT and Schirmer's test, along with increased MGL, was observed in hydrogel contact lens wearers when comparing face mask use to nonuse. No statistically significant changes were noted in TMH, GCC, OSDI, or ocular redness. Similarly, significant reductions in NITBUT and Schirmer's test were found in silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers with face mask wear compared to nonwear. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant association between face mask wear and ocular redness. Conclusion: Prolonged face mask use may affect ocular surface health, particularly in hydrogel contact lens wearers. Further research is needed to explore interventions to mitigate adverse effects and optimize ocular comfort for individuals wearing face masks for extended periods.

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