Masks Can Dry Out Your Eyes

Masks are essential these days, and they are something most of us are all too familiar with. This necessary accessory has taken some getting used to.

Many of us have gone from basic disposable masks to high quality, reusable masks, accessories for our masks, and some unfortunate circumstances that come from wearing these masks.

Some of us have experienced “maskne” or acne that comes from our skin not being able to breathe from under the masks.

The one we hear about most is the ‘fogging up’ of glasses and something many of us do not even associate with our masks – Dry Eye.

Have you been feeling like your eyes are dryer, grittier, or more tired than usual? Yes, it can also be mask-associated.

When you exhale, the air flows upward, out of the top of your face mask, and brushes the surface of your eyes. The flow of air over your eyes causes your tears to evaporate, which leaves the surface of your eyes dry. Dry eyes may be red and tend to feel gritty (like you have sand in them), itchy, watery, and irritated.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Make sure your mask fits well, and if you need to wear a mask for a prolonged amount of time, think about taping the top of the mask to your face to avoid the flow of air to touch the surface of your eyes.
• See your eye care professional determine which lubricating eye drops are recommended to help alleviate your dryness.
• Try to limit the time you spend in places with air conditioning and try to take time off from phones, tablets, and any other digital devices.

You are protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the rest of your community from the spread of COVID by wearing a mask, and now we are trying to help you protect your eyes from your mask…seems crazy right?

Outside of protecting your eyes from getting dryer, we don’t want to leave off without mentioning that to help stop the spread of COVID, masks are great, but always wash your hands, and avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your face with hands that are unwashed!

At Shinagawa, our dry eye specialists have experience treating dry eyes with multiple treatment methods to help build up their own tears.

Please call us at (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 or talk to our consultants via LiveChat here on our website if you feel your eyes are dryer or are suffering from any of the above symptoms. Our dry eye specialists can evaluate the cause of your dry eye and help your eyes feel like they used to!