How to help prevent face mask-associated dry eye
Do you ever experience dry and itchy eyes while wearing a face covering? Optrex can offer you soothing relief throughout the day
Our eyes are our window to the world, and we rely on them every waking minute of the day. But, as their surface is constantly exposed, they’re easily vulnerable to becoming irritated – and something as simple as wearing a poorly-fitting face covering can cause them to become dry and itchy.
It’s essential to wear a face covering in public spaces for now, so it’s important to take steps to protect your eyes at the same time – and using Optrex ActiMist for Dry and Irritated Eyes is an easy and convenient way to do just that.
How does it work?
When your face mask or covering gapes at the top, the warm air from your mouth is directed upwards towards your eyes, which can disrupt the lipid layer by causing the tear film to evaporate too quickly. This may leave your eyes feeling dry, itchy and uncomfortable*.
Optrex ActiMist for Dry and Irritated Eyes contains liposomes that help replenish the tear film. Just one spray can help restore the lipid layer and lock the moisture back in, providing a soothing sensation that lasts for hours. This handy bottle is pocket-sized and suitable for use with both contact lenses and make-up, so you can rely on it for effective relief wherever and whenever you need it. What’s more, it can be applied without touching your eyes, which makes it a hygienic solution for on-the-go use.
1. Spray
When sprayed onto closed eyelids, the lipids in Optrex ActiMist travel down towards the lid margin.
2. Blink
The natural blink of the eye spreads the lipids across the eye’s surface.
3. Restore
Optrex ActiMist stabilises and restores the lipid layer and is clinically proven to be effective.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is caused by reduced tear production or excessive tear evaporation. It can be attributed to a variety of factors including wearing a face mask, screen use, air-conditioned environments, contact lenses, hormonal changes or ageing and the adverse effects of some medications.
Although it can affect people of any age, it is more prevalent in women and in older people. It’s reported that 15-33% of people aged 65 years and above experience dry eye**.
Become mask-savvy
As well as using Optrex ActiMist, there are several ways you can better protect your eyes when wearing a mask. Here are a few tips and tricks:
1. Wearing a face mask that’s too loose can direct the air flow from your mouth and into your eyes, which causes them to become dry. To prevent this, ensure your mask sits firmly around the top of your nose, so the air is directed out of the sides and not upwards.
2. Using lubricating eye drops, such as the Optrex Double Action Dry Eye drops, could help to alleviate symptoms.
3. Forced blinking can help to refresh your eyes with natural moisture. Every 20 minutes, blink rapidly for 3-4 minutes, then tightly shut your eyes for a few seconds until they feel less dry.
*Moshirfar, M., West, W.B. & Marx, D.P. Face Mask-Associated Ocular Irritation and Dryness. Ophthalmol Ther 9, 397–400 (2020). **NICE, November 2014. Optrex Actimist for Dry & Irritated Eyes is a medical device. Always read the instructions. Date of preparation: April 2021. RB-M-32933