key: cord-0883372-rxn5g7gm
authors: Lai, Yu‐Hung; Sheu, Shwu‐Jiuan; Wang, Hwei‐Zu
title: A simple and effective protective shield for the ophthalmoscope to prevent COVID‐19
date: 2020-06-23
journal: Kaohsiung J Med Sci
DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12248
sha: 6007f2b19b6b433de7a7af42ff531f37f98cd706
doc_id: 883372
cord_uid: rxn5g7gm

nan

The ophthalmoscope is one of the most common instruments used by medical professionals. It can be used to perform the Brückner test and Hirschberg test, to check the pupillary reflex, and to examine the fundus. However, the ophthalmologist's face is prone to exposure to a patient's sneeze or cough. The emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has challenged the current healthcare system. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted through virus-containing droplets from infected patients, regardless of whether the patient is symptomatic. 1 The viruscontaining respiratory droplets propelled toward physicians and other examiners expose them to the infection, even if those patients are wearing a mask; furthermore, it is especially difficult for young children and some patients with special needs to wear masks. 2 During the COVID-19 pandemic, proper protection during practice is highly recommended. 3 In Taiwan, no severe outbreak has occurred; however, strict triage is being performed at the entrance of the hospital before any medical treatment is administered. In some countries, non-essential services have been temporarily closed. However, ophthalmologists are still in close contact with high-risk patients. 4 We propose a simple and lowcost protective shield for the ophthalmoscope to prevent the spray of droplets from reaching the examiner's face. An overhead transparency (size A4), stapler, staples, hook and loop fasteners (Velcro), scissors, and a box cutter are required to create this shield. The basic construction of the shield is shown in Figure 1 it should not be large enough to allow droplets pass through it. Using a tape to seal the gap between the ophthalmoscope and shield is recommended. We sincerely hope this small and useful invention could protect our colleagues from exposure to droplets and infections.

F I G U R E 1 Drawings showing the basic structure of a shield comprising an overhead transparency, fixation straps (hook and loop fastener to hold and fixate the ophthalmoscope), A, and a rectangular hole (optional) as the viewing window, B. The completed protective shield for the ophthalmoscope, C

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