ABSTRACT
[...]there have been reports on the difficulty of wearing masks due to adverse skin reactions,2 and the challenges of communication for those with hearing loss.3 Also of concern is the increased risk of falls and injuries due to obscuration of inferior peripheral vision caused by face masks and mask-related fogging of glasses.4'5 We present two patients admitted with significant injuries due to falls resulting from wearing masks. Strategies to reduce the risks of falls with face masks include: advising older people of the poten- tial risk of falls and injuries with face masks;ensuring a tight fit of the face mask to reduce any obstruction to vision and to reduce the likelihood of glasses fogging up;4 if wearing glasses, washing the lenses in soapy water before using a mask to reduce mask-related fogging;9 advising people to take their time before starting their walk, and to walk more slowly to allow more time to detect upcoming trip hazards and to plan a safe route.4 However, more research is required to explore and determine the risks of falls and ries with face masks, particularly in older people during this pandemic, and to evaluate strategies to reduce such risk during these challenging times. Abey-Nesbit R, Schluter P J, Wilkinson T, Thwaites J H, Berry S D, Jamieson H A. Risk factors for hip fracture in New Zealand older adults seeking home care services: a national population cross-sectional study.