Effect of FFP2/N95 facemask wear on retinal and choroidal thickness profile in healthy subjects


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Gunay B. O., Akalin I., Kalkisim A., Esenulku C. M., TÜRKOĞLU ŞEN E. B.

International Journal of Ophthalmology, vol.15, no.11, pp.1821-1828, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.18240/ijo.2022.11.13
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Ophthalmology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1821-1828
  • Keywords: choroid, FFP2/N95 facemask, ganglion cell layer, retina, retinal nerve fiber layer, thickness
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2022 International Journal of Ophthalmology (c/o Editorial Office). All rights reserved.AIM: To investigate the influence of non-oil 95 (N95)/filtering facepiece 2 (FFP2) facemask wear on retinal thickness, choroidal thickness (CT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT) in healthy subjects. METHODS: In this prospective study, 53 healthy participants who used FFP2/N95 facemask were enrolled. Participants underwent optical coherence tomography imaging before and at 1 and 4h following FFP2/N95 facemask wear. The last imaging session was performed 1h after FFP2/N95 removal. Retinal thickness, CT, RNFLT, and GCLT were assessed at each session. Vital parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: The pulse rate of the subjects significantly decreased at 1 and 4h compared to baseline values (P<0.05). No significant changes in retinal thickness, RNFLT, and GCLT were observed in the study. CT profile showed a significant increase at all measured locations except 1-mm temporal, 1-mm inferior and 2-mm inferior points following FFP2/N95 wear which turned to baseline values after FFP2/N95 removal. Pulse rate and CT changes at 4h were significantly correlated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Parasympathetic activation during FFP2/N95 facemask wear might have a role on elevated CT measurements in healthy individuals by virtue of increased choroidal blood flow.