Under what circumstances should eye protection be worn in the OR?

• A. Eye protection is optional if you are a scrubs tech.
• B. Whenever there is risk of splashes or blood contact to eyes or mucous membranes.
• C. Only during handling of sharps.
• D. Only during intubation.

Answer: (B)

Eye protection is required whenever there is a risk of splashes or exposure to the eyes or mucous membranes. In the operating room, fluids can spray from irrigation, suction, a bleeding vessel, or instrument mishaps at any moment, and the eyes are especially vulnerable to blood, bodily fluids, and debris. Wearing protective eyewear—such as splash goggles, safety glasses with side shields, or a full-face shield—helps prevent injury and reduces the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens. The protection should be used by everyone at risk and must fit well, be antifog if possible, and be kept clean and undamaged to be effective. This need isn’t limited to a single task like handling sharps or during intubation; the protective measure covers any time there’s potential exposure.