Reflected Surgical Lighting Exposure at the Mohs Surgeon's Eye Level: Quantifying Effects of Working Distance, Drape...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Mohs surgeons work closely under intense surgical lights, leading to common eye strain.
• Quantitative data on ocular light exposure for Mohs surgeons is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure reflected surgical light at the Mohs surgeon's eye level.
• To identify factors during surgery that affect eye exposure to light.

Main Methods:

• An observational, device-based experimental study in a Mohs surgical suite.
• Used a simulated surgical model and a digital lux meter at eye level.
• Varied eye-to-field distance, lamp orientation, drape color, and simulated skin tone.

Main Results:

• Higher reflected illuminance at closer working distances (14 inches vs. 20 or 26 inches).
• White drapes and perpendicular lamp positioning increased light exposure.
• Skin tone had a negligible effect on reflected light levels.

Conclusions:

• Modifiable surgical factors significantly impact ocular light exposure.
• Simple adjustments can reduce light exposure without hindering surgical visualization.
• Findings offer low-cost strategies for improving surgeon comfort and eye health.