Lens fogging comment on “Infection control measures in ophthalmology during the COVID-19 outbreak: A narrative review from an early experience in Italy”

Allegrini, Davide; Raimondi, Raffaele; Montericcio, Alessio; Ricciardelli, Gabriella; Romano, Mario R.

doi:10.1177/1120672120966567

Cited by 3 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…This method reduces the temperature difference and prevents fogging while ensuring decontamination. 14 In our survey, it was notable that more men than women taped the upper edge of the face mask to their skin (women: 25.0% vs men: 38.5%), even though the gender difference was not significant. Furthermore, a particularly large number of women found it difficult to operate the slit lamp with the slit lamp barrier.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

“…Fogging occurs during slit lamp examination on both doctor’s and patient’s side as the face masks direct much of the exhaled air upwards, where it gets into contact with the lenses (spectacles, slit lamp oculars and funduscopy lenses). 14 In contrast to other specialities examining the patient’s face, such as otorhinolaryngology, dentistry or maxillofacial surgery, masks can be kept on during the ophthalmological examination to protect the examiner and the patient. 87.6% of the participants reported fogging of the lenses, 69.9% fogging of the slit lamp oculars and 60.2% reported difficulties when operating the slit lamp due to the slit lamp protective barriers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of COVID-19 protective measures on the ophthalmological patient examination with an emphasis on gender-specific differences

et al. 2021

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ObjectiveIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, strict hygiene and containment measures have been instituted in the clinical ophthalmological examination to prevent virus transmission. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of these protective measures on the quality of the examination with an emphasis on gender-specific differences.Methods and analysisAn online survey was sent to ophthalmologists in 10 countries. The collected data included demographics, place of work, current professional status, COVID-19 protective measures and their impact on the quality of the examination. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse gender differences.ResultsA total of 120 responses were collected. 54.0% of the respondents identified as female and 43.4% as male. Over 75% agreed that protective measures made the examination conditions more difficult. The major problems were fogging of the lenses (87.6%) or slit lamp oculars (69.9%), reduced operability of the slit lamp due to protective barriers (60.2%) and time delay due to disinfection measures (68.1%). Significantly more women than men reported that they used filtering face piece (FFP2) instead of surgical masks (p=0.02). More male participants reported that they removed their mask to prevent fogging (p=0.01). 31% of all participants felt that the COVID-19 protective measures reduced the overall quality of slit lamp examination and 43.4% reported a reduced quality of fundoscopic examination.ConclusionCOVID-19 related safety measures reduce the feasibility of the clinical ophthalmological examination. Practicable solutions are required to maintain good examination quality without compromising personal safety.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of COVID-19 protective measures on the ophthalmological patient examination with an emphasis on gender-specific differences

et al. 2021

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“…We looked at several methods to help glasses wearers overcome fogging issues, from anti-fog lens wipes to anti-fogging lens pastes, but no matter what we tried the issue persisted. 17 On the other hand, we found in several cases the need to pause a refraction to clear a fogged phoropter lens, or to stop to wipe a condensed slit lamp ocular or an indirect ophthalmoscopy lens. 17,18 These are real issues, not just for patients, but also for practitioners.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

Impact on refractive surgery due to increasing use of personal protection equipment: Insights from EUROCOVCAT group

Cummings¹,

Gildea²,

Brézin

et al. 2021

European Journal of Ophthalmology

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Since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic on 11th March 2020, changes to social and sanitary practices have included significant issues in access and management of eye care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the fear of loss, coupled with social distancing, lockdown, economic instability, and uncertainty, have led to a significant psychosocial impact that will have to be addressed. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment such as face masks or face coverings have become a daily necessity. While “mass masking” along with hand hygiene and social distancing became more widespread, new issues began to emerge – particularly in those who wore spectacles as a means of vision correction. As we began to see routine patients again after the first lockdown had been lifted, many patients visited our clinics for refractive surgery consultations with a primary motivating factor of wanting spectacle independence due to the fogging of their spectacles as a result of wearing a mask. In this article, we report on new emerging issues in eye care due to the widespread use of masks and on the new unmet need in the corneal and cataract refractive surgery fields.

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“…We would like to thank Allegrini et al for their interest in our paper and we welcome their considerations concerning lens fogging of spectacles and fundoscopy lens while wearing face-masks. 1,2 During the COVID-19 pandemic, national and international guidelines, as well as common sense, support using protective shields on the slit-lamp instruments and wearing a face-mask by both ophthalmologist and patient. 3,4 As rightfully highlighted by Allegrini et al 1 although being mandatory and needed, the use of face-masks may hinder the visibility of the retina.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1,2 During the COVID-19 pandemic, national and international guidelines, as well as common sense, support using protective shields on the slit-lamp instruments and wearing a face-mask by both ophthalmologist and patient. 3,4 As rightfully highlighted by Allegrini et al 1 although being mandatory and needed, the use of face-masks may hinder the visibility of the retina. While visiting the patient using indirect non-contact lens, there is often a conspicuous fogging in our view produced by the warm breath that escapes from the upper margin of the patient's mask and lands on the cooler surface of the diagnostic lens.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%