Moorfields pioneers new way to protect surgeons during eye surgery

Moorfields Eye Hospital has implemented a microscope drape, which can help protect surgeons from viruses such as covid-19 when delivering eye surgery.

The microscope drape consists of a sterile sheet that is fitted around the patient and microscope to prevent the spread of aerosol particles in the operating theatre.

Louisa Wickham, consultant ophthalmologist and chief surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and clinical director for Moorfields Private, said: “In these challenging times we want to continue to provide sight saving treatment, in the safest way possible. We are delighted to have found an innovative solution that we hope can create a safer surgical environment to help protect both patients and staff.”

It is important to highlight that this drape should not replace the use of recommended PPE. However the drape aims to reduce the risk of aerosol particles produced during the procedure spreading across the theatre where they may contaminate theatre staff and surfaces.

The microscope drape can be seen in action in the following video:

The full paper describing the microscope drape can be read in Eye.