Statement of need:
HSPC “
Interim Guidance for use of PPE COVID 19 v1.0 17_03_20.pdf” describes eye protection as required PPE in the following situations:
Eye protection/Face visor: should be worn when there is a risk of contamination to the eyes from splashing of blood, body fluids, excretions or secretions (including respiratory secretions):
-Surgical mask with integrated visor
-Full face shield or visor
-Goggles / safety spectacles
Eye protection is considered required PPE by the HSPC “
Interim Guidance for use of PPE COVID 19 v1.0 17_03_20.pdf” in the following clinical situations (summarised here, refer to link for full details):
-Patients with respiratory symptoms/suspected/confirmed COVID-19 who require an aerosol generating procedure
-Patients with respiratory symptoms/suspected/confirmed COVID-19 who do not require an aerosol generating procedure but do require high contact patient care activities that provide increased risk for transfer of virus and other pathogens to the hands and clothing of healthcare workers (this includes a wide range of activities including examinations, device monitoring/ care and transferring patients. Full list available in PDF - but the range of situations is broad)
-Patients with respiratory symptoms/suspected/confirmed COVID-19 where the tasks being performed are unlikely to provide opportunities for the transfer of virus/other pathogens to the hands and clothing
The document further states:
“Decontamination of eye/face protection for example goggles where there is a shortage of equipment
In situations where there is a shortage of disposable eye protection AND the activity being undertaken involves a high risk of splash or spray to
the eyes, HCWs may reuse goggles/safety spectacles.
Where reuse of eye protection is being considered
-Ensure there is no obvious signs of damage – Discard if signs of damage
-Ensure there are no cloth elements - items with cloth elements cannot be effectively decontaminated
-Check they are visibly clean before attempting to decontaminate – Discard if visibly soiled with blood/body fluids including respiratory secretions as heavily soiled items cannot be effectively decontaminated.
-The item should then be carefully decontaminated using a disinfectant wipe.
The risk of reusing Eye protection should be balanced against the risk to the user of a risk of splash or spray to the eyes.
Where practical to do so, decontamination of goggles should be centralized in a facility which normally reprocesses items may add additional margin of safety”
Arguably, this demonstrates a concern regarding stocks of eye/ face protection.
Some considerations regarding design and materials (based on current discussion, research, and consideration of users):
-Disposable & single use
-Latex free
-Provides good visibility to wearer and patient
-Minimises glare
-Minimal optical distortion
-Fog resistant
-Shatterproof