Are your eyes feeling irritated and dry after wearing a face mask?
Are your eyes feeling irritated and dry after wearing a face mask?
Face masks are extremely crucial in the fight against COVID-19, and Eye Car Professionals are very well-positioned to provide patients with advice on appropriate wear in order to maximize eye comfort.
Masks significantly reduce the outward spread of air. However, exhaled air still needs to disperse; when a mask sits loosely against the face the likely route is upwards. This forces a stream of air over the surface of the eye, creating conditions that accelerate tear film evaporation, leading to dry spots on the ocular surface and discomfort.
In addition to worsening symptoms in patients with pre-existing dry eye disease, Mask Associated Dry Eye condition can affect , the elderly who typically have a poorer quality tear film, contact lens wearers, and masked people working extended hours in air-conditioned settings and/or while using digital screens.
Beyond discomfort, Mask Associated Dry Eye condition may encourage people to rub their eyes for temporary relief—raising the possibility of unwashed hands being brought to the face. In turn, this increases the likelihood of coronavirus infection through the mouth, nose, and to a lesser extent, the eye.
Therefore we recommend Systane Complete!
Each drop of SYSTANE Complete is made up of tiny, nano-sized oil droplets which combined with key ingredients, form a matrix of protection and deliver soothing moisture across the eye surface. This enhanced coverage provides prolonged hydration and lasting protection for optimal dry eye relief.
Contact lenses & Covid-19
- Contact lenses will not give you COVID-19. Contact lens wearers should always practice excellent hygiene when wearing lenses. It has been noted that contact lens wearers touch their faces and eyes when inserting and removing lenses. What you need to know is that, touching your face can spread germs.
- Exercise proper hand washing. Wash your hands carefully and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand drying with unused paper towels. This should occur before every contact lens insertion and removal. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. People should avoid touching their face, including their eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect contact lenses. Contact lens wearers should either dispose of their daily disposable lenses every evening, or regularly disinfect your monthly and bi weekly lenses according to instructions from the manufacturer.
- Regular Eyeglasses / Spectacles Do Not Provide Protection
No scientific evidence supports rumors that everyday glasses offer protection against COVID-19.
- If you have a contact lens prescription that is nearing expiration or has expired, contact your optician or doctor of optometry. Health professionals are working with patients to ensure they have access to needed medical devices.
- If you are sick, temporarily stop wearing your contacts and use your glasses instead
Once you return to full health and have spoken with your eye doctor, you can start again. Make sure to use new contact lenses and a new lens case.
If you have questions, you can talk to our team for recommendations. To book an appointment for an eye exam to see an optometrist, call us at 905-832-6262.
Our Maple optometrist Location:
Eyes on Eyes Optical
9929 Keele St, Unit 110, Maple, ON L6A 1Y5, Tel: 905-832-6262
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