Abstract
Purpose :
The use of protective eyewear by ophthalmology trainees observing laser procedures has not been formally assessed. This study aimed to survey the use of protective eyewear by residents and fellows of ophthalmology programs in the US and internationally during laser procedures in the ambulatory and operating room settings.
Methods :
Retrospective analysis of an anonymous questionnaire distributed to US ophthalmology residency programs and in-person at a conference for predominantly Latin American ophthalmologists. Data from categorical variables were analyzed using chi-squared test, and from continuous variables with Student’s t-test. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < .05.
Results :
50 residents and fellows completed the survey: 26 from the US and 24 from other regions (23 from Latin America, 1 from Europe). The mean age was 33.5 ± 6.8 years, with US trainees more likely to be younger (31.2 vs 36.0, p = .012) and in an academic setting (96% vs 46%, p < .0001) than trainees of other regions. 70% of respondents believe wearing protective eyewear is mandatory or necessary. The most common reported barriers to eye protection were difficulty with visualization (40%) and lack of available eyewear (34%). Based on Likert scale responses, trainees tended to not wear protective eyewear (i.e. never or rarely) during YAG (73%) or SLT (69%) with no observed difference between regions. Respondents who witnessed or knew of provider eye injury from laser procedures were more likely to be trainees of other regions (42% vs 15%, p = .039). Trainees of other regions were more likely to report having zero goggles per laser room compared with US trainees (42% vs 8%, p = .005), while US trainees were more likely to report 3 or more per room (42% vs 4%, p = .002). Furthermore, US trainees were more likely to be unsure of laser policy documents (65% vs 8%, p < .0001) and the presence of a laser safety officer at their institution (81% vs 0%, p < .0001) as compared with trainees in other regions.
Conclusions :
Ophthalmology trainees are less likely to wear protective eyewear during ambulatory procedures that may be perceived as innocuous, such as YAG or SLT. There is a need for increased awareness of laser safety resources, particularly among US trainees. Lastly, an opportunity exists to provide protective eyewear to ensure provider safety globally.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.