Building the barricade-DIY slit lamp breath shield

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Disease Control
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Ophthalmologists face high risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to close patient proximity during slit lamp exams.
• A need exists for effective, accessible protective measures against droplet-borne infections in eye care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a simple, low-cost, waterproof breath shield for slit lamp examinations.
• To assess the effectiveness of the designed breath shield in preventing droplet transmission.

Main Methods:

• Designed and iteratively improved breath shield prototypes using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.
• Utilized transparent laminating pouches and common office supplies for fabrication.
• Tested droplet transmission prevention using a fluorescein spray model.

Main Results:

• A user-friendly, easy-to-clean breath shield was developed after four iterative design cycles.
• Clinician confidence in the breath shield's effectiveness against droplet transmission increased from 5.6% to 80%.
• The final design demonstrated proof of concept for preventing droplet spread.

Conclusions:

• A low-cost, easily replicable breath shield enhances safety for clinicians and patients during slit lamp examinations.
• This intervention, combined with standard personal protective equipment, creates a safer clinical environment.
• The design is adaptable for various slit lamp models, promoting widespread adoption.