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Do Slit-Lamp Shields and Face Masks Protect Ophthalmologists Amid COVID-19?
abstract
This abstract is available on the publisher's site.
Access this abstract now Full Text Available for ClinicalKey SubscribersUnlike face masks which provided some protection against both aerosols and droplets, slit lamp shields conferred protection only against direct large droplet transmission, with a limited role in reducing aerosol transmission risk.
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Ophthalmology
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Do Slit Lamp Shields and Face Masks Protect Ophthalmologists Amidst COVID-19?
Ophthalmology 2020 Jun 20;[EPub Ahead of Print], OS Chuan, MA Bin Razali, L Shaffiee, YJ Xing, TT Yin Fei, LS Chee, V KohFrom MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
This is a simulation using an aerosol spray bottle to represent coughing or sneezing rather than the real situation of droplets released in the air while examining a patient through the slit lamp, but the study demonstrates that a plexiglass shield without PPE provides inadequate protection. The conclusion is that it is important to have the patient wear a mask in addition to having a shield in place for biomicroscopy. The article is likely to gain traction due to the ongoing interest in office safety protocols with the effects of COVID-19.
The authors use a simulated clinical situation to test the efficacy of a slit lamp breath shield for decreasing viral spread through aerosols and large droplets. They conclude that slit lamp shields only protect against droplets and not aerosols. I suspect that a "belt and suspenders" approach utilizing a face mask and slit lamp shield, as is recommended by the authors and utilized by many practitioners, is a worthwhile strategy to protect both the patient and clinician.