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Eye protection in ear, nose and throat surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. J. Prior ,
P. Q. Montgomery  and
V. Srinivasan
A. J. Prior*
Affiliation:
London
P. Q. Montgomery
Affiliation:
London
V. Srinivasan
Affiliation:
London
*
Mr A. J. Prior, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, London Ell 1NR.
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of blood splashes to the conjunctiva during ear, nose and throat surgery. Two hundred and sixty consecutive operations by three surgeons were assessed for contamination of safety glasses and other factors. We found that 15 per cent of operations resulted in blood droplet contamination of safety glasses. In 92 per cent of these, contaminations were on the exterior of the glasses and eight per cent were on both sides. We concluded that about one and a half per cent of operations would result in droplet contamination of the conjunctiva and that safety spectacles reduced the risk by a factor of about 10. This study generally concurs with that of previous research in the areas of general and orthopaedic surgery and necropsies. We substantiate the need for eye protection for all ear, nose and throat procedures. Spectacles do provide a reasonable degree of protection but where absolute protection is needed i.e. in high risk groups, goggles should be used in preference to safety spectacles

Keywords

Surgery, otolaryngologicalEye protective devices
Type
Short communication
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 107 , Issue 7 , July 1993 , pp. 618 - 619
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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