ESCRS - PP02.04 - The Effect Of Wearing Protective Masks On The Ocular Surface During Covid-19 Pandemic In Healthcare Workers (Hcw)

The Effect Of Wearing Protective Masks On The Ocular Surface During Covid-19 Pandemic In Healthcare Workers (Hcw)

Published 2022 - 40th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PP02.04 | Type: ESCRS 2022 - Posters | DOI: 10.82333/r8ef-8t03

Authors: Reshma RAGHUNATH Ranade* 1 , ROHIT SHETTY 1 , POOJA KHAMAR 1

1NARAYANA NETHRALAYA,BENGALURU,India

Purpose

The pandemic has compelled HCW globally to don protective masks for long hours as part of their defence against COVID-19. Extended use of masks can cause ocular discomfort- possibly a consequence of expired air escaping the upper border of  mask. This study examines ocular surface of HCW in terms of clinical findings, immune cell proportions&tear fluid soluble factors. 

Setting

Narayana Nethralaya

Methods

Healthy volunteers underwent Schirmer’s Test1(ST1),Tearfilm Break-Up Time(TBUT), Lipiview, ocular surface wash with sterile saline, Objective Scatter Index(OSI)analysed, & given Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, before & during COVID-19. Soluble tear factors acquired from tear strip in ST1 measured using multiplex ELISA. Ocular surface cells taken from ocular surface wash immunophenotyped using fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies specific for leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, T cells & B cells by flow cytometry. 

Results

OSDI, ST1&TBUT were elevated, & OSDI inversely related to ST1 & TBUT, in COVID-19 era. IL-1a/b, IL-2, BDNF, NGF, IFNb, LIF, perforins, RANTES, TSLP increased & IL-8,IL-13, HGF,VEGF decreased. Higher levels of leukocytes, T cells, natural killerT cells, & lower levels of B cells noted. 

Conclusions

Distinct changes found on ocular surface of HCW during COVID-19, unlike those observed in other ocular surface conditions, can have several implications in clinical practice.