N95 MASKE KULLANIMININ RETİNA DAMAR DANSİTESİ ÜZERİNE ETKİSİNİN OPTİK KOHERENS TOMOGRAFİ ANJİYOGRAFİ İLE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the effects of FFP2/N95 face mask use on oxygen saturation (SpO2), macula, and optic disc vessel density through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in healthcare workers. Material and Method A total of 38 eyes from 19 volunteer healthcare workers were included in the study. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed. Finger-type pulse oximetry measurements were used to assess the oxygen saturation also and Angiovue OCTA used for vascular density measurements before and after 4 hours of continuous N95 mask wear. Participants were instructed not to remove their masks during this period. Macular and optic disc vessel densities were evaluated using OCTA before and immediately after mask application and removal. Results Of the 19 participants, 15 were female and 4 were male. The mean age was 36,64 ± 9,3 years. The Snellen-Corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in all eyes, and intraocular pressure measurements were within normal limits. Oxygen saturation was 97,94% ± 0,8 before N95 mask wear, and 96,14% ± 1,8 after four hours of mask application. Significant increase in central macular thickness (CMT) (p<0,001), and significant decrease in parafoveal vessel densities in the superficial plexus and choriocapillaris in the fovea (p<0,05) were observed after mask usage. Significant increase in vessel densities of the superior and inferior radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPC) was found after mask usage (p<0,05). Conclusion Oxygen saturation decreases after N95 mask usage. Vascular reactivity between the retina and choroid changes in response to increased CO2 levels and decreased O2 levels after mask usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]