Safety Glasses in the OR ???

Meg88 · Mar 31, 2010

I don't work IN the O.R. however, anytime I see people in there, everyone seems to be wearing glasses.... then again, I guess its one of those things you don't truly pay attention to until someone mentions it. lol

I would think everyone should be wearing them. IMHO

NS2SBowman · Mar 31, 2010

I have been a scrubtech for 10 yrs and always wear goggles b/c I can't tell you how many times I have been coughed on in the face when a patient is waking up, blood squirted on me just to mention a few. Some hospitals it is mandatory and others it is a choice, but IMHO it is smart to use the protection to protect yourself from unwanted diseases!

idahostudent2011 · Mar 31, 2010

It is not manditory to wear eye protection at my hospital, and a lot of people don't, but as a scrub tech, I do, because who wants to get some nasty body fluid or bone chip in your eye? I also double glove all the time because its easier to change gloves when it gets contaminated by my clumsiness, and of course from sticks and such....I have worn no eye protection a couple of times and I felt very naked, and was pretty neurotic about getting too close to the field....bleh

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2010

Ok, So maybe this is a "dumb question" but anyway....
In the OR, are you required to wear safety glasses? The hospital I just left EVERYONE that set foot in the OR was required to have safety glasses. The new place I work at, the only one wearing glasses is the surgeon, and sometimes an assistant, even then, I've seen a few assistants not wear them.
Just think its kind of odd. Anyone?

I have worn them as a circulator (outside the sterile field). You'd be surprised how far blood and irrigation fluid can travel..I've seen blood splatter on walls. Also, when we're casting, the plaster splints can shed particles that can get in your eyes..I ended up with a corneal abrasion that way.

If you are scrubbed in, of course you have to wear goggles in my facility-it's mandatory.

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 31, 2010

Glasses or mask with shield required for anyone at the field, optional for circulators but encouraged.

RelloydRN · Mar 31, 2010

This is a safety issue. Better to be safe than sorry right? Besides, would you use a power drill in your wall without wearing one (safety glasses)? You only have 1 pair of eyes, so take care of 'em as you take care of your patients! :)