Not just gloves: A review of the literature on the use of protective eyewear in all areas of the perioperative environment for nurses and other health care workers

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes gloves, gowns, masks and eyewear, and is a fundamental component of standard precautions in minimising the chance for exposure to occupationally acquired infections. Adherence to wearing appropriate PPE in the operating room and post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU) amongst health care workers (HCW) is considered poor globally, despite the substantial risks posed in the surgical environment. In particular, protective eyewear adherence is variable, which is of concern given the risk potential for body fluid splash. Aim: This literature review aims to examine the use of protective eyewear by HCW in the perioperative environment.