Have you been getting MADE?

There's no doubt that wearing a face mask is an important part of preventing the spreading of COVID-19, but as well as maskne and foggy glasses, mask associated dry eye is also on the rise. 

A report published in the journal Ophthalmology and Therapy earlier in 2021 reported on the increase of cases of eye irritation and dry eye in those who regularly wear masks4. First coined in the USA, mask-associated dry eye (MADE) is a new condition thought to be caused by airflow being redirected up towards the eyes, causing the eye's surface to dry out more quickly, and the eyes feeling irritated, tired, sore and dry. 

Mask wearing will continue for the foreseeable future, but you can things to improve mask associated dry eye. The first is making sure your mask fits well – look for a mask with a nose bridge that you can mould to your face, and adjustable ear loops can help ensure a tighter fit. If that fails, try folding a tissue and tucking it under the top of the mask to prevent air from escaping towards the eyes. Taping your mask might help, but just don't tape it too high as to restrict your blinking. Eye lubricating drops with an oily component can also help, as can warm compresses to naturally help the oily layer of your tears. And finally, if none of this helps, consider seeing a good optometrist or ophthalmologist to check for underlying dry eye disease.