During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, the concern for reducing disease transmission has led to an international boost in face mask utilization. During this period, we have observed a corresponding surge in ocular irritation and dryness among regular mask users. This finding will not be previously described inside the literature but has important implications on eye health insurance infection prevention, as mask use is planning to are the long run.
A high-profile dispute between researchers over a study about the role of face mask in preventing Covid-19 is revealing the tensions in how science is conducted throughout a global pandemic. It’s also raising questions on the role of prestigious journals in elevating findings that may not hold up.
This isn’t the sole demonstration of a change or updating of mask-wearing policies through the coronavirus crisis. It’s happened in countries worldwide — from Singapore to Austria to Kenya (which just announced one of several world’s strictest policies — police remain arresting anyone caught without having a mask in their vehicle, with a bus or in a public place.)
But the mask-wearing policies in other country do not necessarily reflect a much more authoritian government, say several of NPR’s interviewees. “Perhaps there exists a bit too glibly dismissed the Chinese approach by saying that it becomes an authoritarian system.” Lim says, “People are obedient, yet it’s really not about being [in] authoritarian [systems]. It’s fundamentally accepting that society comes before self and putting the more good in front of one’s own interests.” Eye protection and treatments for dryness and irritation is a crucial consideration for long-term mask users.
This isn’t the only real illustration of a change or updating of mask-wearing policies through the coronavirus crisis. It’s happened in countries around the globe — from Singapore to Austria to Kenya (which just announced one of many world’s strictest policies — information arresting anyone caught without having a mask within their vehicle, over a bus or perhaps a public place.)
Conclusion
On June 24, the authors issued a rebuttal statement to some petition signed by over 40 scientists who identified “egregious errors” in the original study. Eye protection and treating dryness and irritation is an important consideration for long-term mask users.