Toxic effects of surgical glove powders on the eye.

Surgical gloves are commonly coated with dusting powders that have severe toxic effects on the eye. Talcum powder causes a chronic granulomatous reaction with fibrosis and adhesion formation. Cornstarch has also been shown to cause a granulomatous reaction as well as sterile endophthalmitis. These complications are preventable by the use of powder-free gloves.