Risk of conjunctival contamination from blood splashes during surgery at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the utilisation rate of design specific eye protection by surgeons and to assess the risk of conjunctival contamination with blood splashes during surgery.

DESIGN: Cross sectional, observational study.

SETTING: The theatre suite of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

SUBJECTS: Surgeons from all specialties operating in the theatre suite.

RESULTS: The minority of surgeons, 5.2% utilised protective eye goggles compared to 3.5% of assistants. Prescription eye spectacles were the most common form of eye protection at 41.9 and 20.9% respectively for surgeons and their assistants. The contamination rate for provided protective eye wear was 53.1% with the average number of droplets being 2.48 per procedure for the principal surgeon. The duration of surgery and the use of power tools influenced the contamination rate.

CONCLUSIONS: The utilisation rate of design specific protective eye wear is low and with a significant risk of conjunctival contamination, changes in attitudes and practices are needed to increase utilisation.