Comparison of three low-cost techniques to control fogging of sealed eyewear in a simulated operating room environment: A preliminary analysis

Abstract

In the current COVID pandemic, hermetically sealed eyewear is recommended for safe surgical practices to prevent eye contact with contaminated airborne particles or aerosols. These sealed eyewears definitely reduce the risk of contamination of eyes. However, there is a constant issue of fogging up of the inner surface that prevents good surgical visibility which can impair surgeons' performance and their ability to perform fine tasks, especially in operating rooms with temperature and humidity controlled as per the COVID guidelines. We investigated the effectiveness of surface-modified anti-fog polyethylene terephthalate(PET) films and the application of a detergent-based surfactant liquid, applied to the inner aspect of viewing frame, and addition of filtered vents in the prevention of fogging up of the protective eyewears in a simulated operating room environment. Methods: Ten volunteer orthopedic surgeons tested three modifications of a poly-hydrocarbon based hermetically sealed eyewear as a) application of a surface-modified anti-fog PET film on the inner aspect of eyewear, b) application of a detergent-based surfactant coating on the inner aspect of the protective eyewear, and c) addition of two filtered vents/holes on each side of the protective eyewear, covered with an N95 mask cutting. The testing was performed while completing a synthetic bone-based surgical task in a simulated operating room environment of 24e26 temperature and humidity between 40 and 70%, for a maximum of 2 h. The duration to the loss of clear visibility (ability to read a newspaper) and workable visibility (ability to perform the surgical task) was recorded for each volunteer. Results: The detergent-based surfactant provided the longest duration of clear visibility (69.3 ± 8.16 min) and the workable visibility was maintained for more than 2 h. The second best durations of clear visibility (31.9 ± 3.75 min) and workable visibility (41.6 ± 5.39 min) were provided by the surface-modified anti-fog PET film. The addition of the filtered vents provided only a marginal improvement in the visibility. Conclusion: A detergent-based surfactant coating of the viewing surface provides a simple, inexpensive and effective solution to the problem of fogging of the protective eyewears. Besides this, the workable vision is maintained for a prolonged duration.

Emphasis on heat strain to the ocular surface: A functional and clinical study of a modified goggle

“…In the function tests, the r-FT of MG was 212.75 ± 23.95 min, which was 1.5 times longer than that of SG, mainly due to the specific manufacturing process of the lenses and the optimized main body design that lower both temperature and humidity. Kumar et al stated that detergent-based surfactant is a low-cost technique that controls the fogging of goggles and provides a longer duration of clear visibility (69.3 ± 8.16 min) than antifog polyethylene terephthalate films and filtered vents ( 19 ). However, detergent-based surfactants cause frequent eye irritation and slightly distort the vision if the soap is not properly wiped ( 20 ).…”

Physical problems and fatigue level of nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Continuous fogging of protective glasses due to sweating and inhaled humid air causes an early and sharp decrease in visual acuity, significantly limiting functionality and thus causing physical injuries. Varshney et al 19 stated that liquid soap, iodophor, hand sanitizer, anti‐vapor agents, and films can prevent fogging up, usually for up to 2 h. Cleaning the glasses with the materials mentioned in the literature can be effective in reducing fogging 19,20 …”

“…Varshney et al 19 stated that liquid soap, iodophor, hand sanitizer, anti-vapor agents, and films can prevent fogging up, usually for up to 2 h. Cleaning the glasses with the materials mentioned in the literature can be effective in reducing fogging. 19,20 It was determined that 69.0% of nurses experienced bladder pain due to delaying the need to go to the toilet while in PPE (Table 2).…”

How to Prevent Fogging of Spectacle Glasses When Wearing a Face Mask

“…This is similar to Scuba divers' traditional technique to prevent fogging of eyewear by using spit/diluted liquid soap/ shampoo on inner surface of their goggles. Detergentbased surfactant coating has been shown to work better and longer, in simulated conditions than other ideas [7]. 3.…”