Face masks directed air jets toward the eyes in 81% of trials.
PATIENTS WEARING FACE MASKS DURING INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS MAY BE AT A HIGHER RISK OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS.
Amir Hadayer … Rita Ehrlich
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) · Sep 2020 · Q1 in Ophthalmology
Purpose
To investigate the safety of face masks worn by patients during intravitreal injections.
Methods
A prospective, qualitative, interventional study performed in a tertiary university hospital.
n = 5 volunteers
Results
trials where mask air leaks were detected blowing toward the eyes
71%
FLIR camera
91%
OPGAL camera
More results
The experiment was repeated 45 times for each camera; 3 times for each of 3 mask types, on 5 volunteers, for a total of 90 trials.
Air leaks were detected with all investigated mask types.
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Conclusion · 1 of 2
Patients wearing face masks during intravitreal injections may be at a higher risk of endophthalmitis.
Conclusion · 2 of 2
Until further data are available, we recommend verifying proper face mask fitting and either taping the upper edges of the face masks with a medical adhesive tape or using an adhesive surgical drape around the injected eye.
