EyeWorld Asia-Pacific September 2021 Issue

CORNEA EWAP SEPTEMBER 2021 41 eye symptoms. How the masks were taped in many cases, Dr. Moshirfar said, compromised lower lid movement, leading to more exposure of the eye over time. Dr. Moshirfar said that ophthalmologists should be aware of the risk factors that could exacerbate problems from mask-associated dry eye and provide patients with tips to avoid this. He said to avoid masks that are too tight or worn too high because they could impact lower lid movement or push on orbital fat. If tape is used, a hypoallergenic paper tape should be applied on the upper portion of the mask and placed on the face in a way that doesn’t interfere with lid movement or apply pressure. He also advised increased use of artificial tears, closing one½s eyes for several minutes, and performing blinking exercises at intervals throughout the day. Dr. Silkiss suggested wearing a mask with a built-in nose clip, washing or changing the mask daily, using a lid scrub, frequent hand washing, and use of artificial tears. Dr. Moshirfar said that ophthalmologists should be on the lookout for patients who are at a higher risk for dry eye and exposure keratopathy with mask use and help them mitigate •Be aware of risk factors (elderly, recent ocular surgery, on drops with preservatives, existing dry eye, lid problems, etc.) U nsure proper fit and placement of masks. •Use additional moisturizing artificial tears throughout the day. •Take breaks to close eyes for several minutes at a time. •Perform blinking exercises. Tips to mitigate mask-associated dry eye these factors with proper wear. EWAP References 1. CDC. When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated. www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully- vaccinated.html. Accessed May 27, 2021. 2. CDC. Your Guide to Masks. www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent- getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html. Accessed May 27, 2021. 3. Silkiss RZ, et al. Increased incidence of chalazion associated with face mask wear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep . 2021;22:101032. 4. Moshirfar M, et al. Face mask- associated ocular irritation and dryness. Ophthalmol Ther . 2020;9:397–400. 5. Chadwick O, Lockington D. Addressing post-operative mask- associated dry eye (MADE). Eye (Lond) . 2021;35:1543–1544. 6. Boccardo L. Self-reported symptoms of mask-associated dry eye: A survey study of 3,605 people. Cont Lens Anterior Eye . 2021. Online ahead of print. Editors’ note: Dr. Moshirfar is Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Silkiss is Chief, Division of Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive and Orbital Surgery, alivœrnia *acific Me`ical enter] -an Francisco, California. Neither disclosed relevant financial interests. OCULUS Asia Ltd. Hong Kong pentacam.com/axl-wave • info@oculus.hk Refraction Scheimpflug Tomography Retroillumination Makes a Complex Process Simple , Automatic and Reliable Join us at the Satellite Meeting 9 October 2021 at ESCRS in Amsterdam or online! Pentacam ® AXL Wave You position the patient. The new full sequence measuring assistant handles the rest. Thanks to the newly developed measurement workflow and the automatic quality check, you are always on the safe side. Optimized workflows, satisfied patients, and the best possible clinical results: always achieved quickly, reliably, and without long training. No risk, just fun – the new Pentacam® AXL Wave Total Wavefront Axial Length ASCRS Eyeworld Pentacam AXL Wave Complex 254x107.95 e 08.21.indd 1 10.08.2021 18:13:00