Eye protection for the surgeon.

The surgeon today is obliged to operate on an increasing number of patients who are classed as high risk. A study is presented which examines the extent of potential corneal contamination with blood or tissue fluids, during common orthopaedic operations. In all, 65% of goggles worn by surgeons during the study were contaminated. The greatest risk was associated with operations around the hip joint, which are among the commonest orthopaedic procedures. Increased contamination was associated with the use of power tools and irrigation. The contamination rate of the protective flaps at the side of the goggles was relatively low (5%) suggesting that ordinary spectacles, which are more convenient and comfortable than the standard issue goggles, would provide adequate protection during routine use.