Eye Protection in ENT Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Lack of evidence-based guidelines for eye protection during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) in otolaryngology.
• Some recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) is incompatible with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the degree of eye protection offered by commonly used PPE during simulated AGPs.
• To compare the efficacy of safety glasses versus goggles in protecting the eyes from aerosolized contaminants.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a custom-built setup to simulate a patient cough.
• Employed a mannequin fitted with various PPE combinations and exposed to a simulated cough.
• Quantified aerosol contamination on cellulose paper using fluorescent microscopy (≥10 µm aerosols).

Main Results:

• Without eye protection, 278 droplets/aerosols reached the eye area.
• Surgical mask with an upward-facing shield reduced contamination to 2 droplets/aerosols.
• Safety glasses and goggles, when used with a face shield, both resulted in 0 droplets/aerosols reaching the eye area.

Conclusions:

• Safety glasses and safety goggles provide equivalent eye protection when used with an upward-facing face shield during simulated AGPs.
• Safety glasses are a viable alternative to safety goggles for eye protection in otolaryngology settings involving AGPs.