Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Published date: Dec 08 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: ‎Volume 20 - 2025

Pages: 1 - 7

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v20.16584

Naveed Nilforushannaveednil@yahoo.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye Research Center, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran

Farhad Najafzadehnajafzadeh.farhad@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Nikookari Eye Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz

Samira Chai Bakhshsmr.chaibakhsh@gmail.comRajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran

Masoume SharfinejadMsharafi7008@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye Research Center, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of wearing an N95 mask on intraocular pressure.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 34 medical staff volunteers. After baseline eye examinations, all participants were asked to wear an N95 mask for 1 hour. Then, O₂ saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure were evaluated, and sequential IOP measurements were performed using both iCare and Goldmann applanation tonometers. All measurements were taken again 1 hour after the mask was removed. Finally, all information was collected for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 34 participants (68 eyes) with a mean ± SD age of 38.97 (12.41) years were included. The mean value of IOP/GAT increased significantly by 1.20 mmHg after wearing the mask (12.50 to 13.70 mmHg, P-value < 0.001) and then decreased significantly by 1.27 mmHg after removing the mask (13.70 to 12.43 mmHg, P-value < 0.001). The mean O₂ saturation increased significantly from 96.4 with the mask to 97.05 after mask removal (P-value < 0.001). Although the mean pulse rate decreased by about 1.5 units after removing the mask, the difference was not significant. The mean blood pressure decreased after removing the mask; however, the change was not statistically significant. Additionally, no significant relationship was found between the change in IOP and O₂ saturation.

Conclusion: The use of N95 face masks could substantially increase IOP and reduce O₂ saturation.

Keywords: IOP, N95 Face Mask, Oxygen Saturation

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