It does, according to a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Tell me about the study.
The study included 50 health care workers who regularly wore N95 masks. Ocular surface parameters, subjective dry eye score, and visual acuity were assessed at the end of an 8-hour shift, during which the participants used an N95 face mask without taping the upper edge. The next day, the upper edge of the N95 mask was taped to the nasal bridge in all participants at the beginning of the 8-hour shift, and postintervention assessment was performed after the shift.
The primary outcome measure was change in noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT). Secondary outcome measures were change in the symptom score, tear lipid layer thickness (LLT), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height (TMH), osmolarity, and visual acuity.
What did they find?
Post taping, significantly better ocular surface stability was observed in terms of NIBUT, TBUT, LLT, TMH, corneal staining score, and tear osmolarity. There was no significant change in visual acuity, Schirmer I, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score. Symptom improvement was reported by 68% of patients, which correlated well with a change in NIBUT.
The take home.
Taping of the upper mask edge results in significantly better ocular surface stability, which correlates well with a decrease in dry eye symptoms.