[Symptoms of ocular discomfort and microclimate: epidemiologic and environmental survey in operating rooms]

An epidemiological investigation regarding the ocular symptoms of 213 subjects working in the operating theatres of a hospital of the eastern Sicily was conducted. Information was gathered via a questionnaire designed to identify the ocular symptoms that occurred most frequently during working hours in the operating theatre. The questionnaire was administered by a specialist in Occupational Health, before any decision was made to investigate the indoor air quality. The microclimate parameters (temperature, relative humidity, number of air changes/hour, air velocity, illumination levels) of the operating theatres were also studied. The results of the epidemiological investigation showed that 154 subjects out of 213 (72.3%) reported a lack of eye comfort. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (35.21%) and heaviness (34.27%), followed by burning (25.82%), redness (25.35%), lacrimation (17.84%), itching (2%), blinking (20%), foreign body sensation (19%) and photophobia (10%). The study of the indoor climate of the operating theatres showed that the number of air changes/hour and illumination level were not consistent with those recommended by the Italian Regulatory Authority. Others parameters were considered to be satisfactory. The Authors conclude that the low illumination level may be responsible for the high percentage of subjects suffering from eye fatigue and heaviness. The ineffective rate of room air exchange, possibly interacting with chemicals and aerosols, is thought to be responsible for the other ocular symptoms experienced by the workers. The present study suggests that the operating theatre environment might be a cause of the ocular discomfort often complained of by health care workers. Further studies are needed in this area.