Quantification of aerosol generation during phacoemulsification cataract surgery using light-scattering laser photometry
Author Block: Gelareh Sahar Noureddin, Alfonso Iovieno, Maryam Eslami, Travers Weaver, Howard Meadows, Sonia
N. Yeung.
Disclosure Block: G.S. Noureddin: Any direct financial payments including receipt of honoraria; Name of for-profit or not-for-profit organization(s); Allergan. Any direct financial payments including receipt of honoraria; Description of relationship(s); Speaker's honorarium 2019. A. Iovieno: None. M. Eslami: None. T. Weaver: None. H. Meadows: None. S.N. Yeung: None.
Purpose: To
determine whether phacoemulsification cataract surgery is an aerosol-generating
medical procedure (AGMP) and therefore, to help determine the personal
protective equipment required by healthcare providers in the era of the
COVID-19 pandemic, as COVID-19 can be transmitted via aerosolization during
AGMPs.
Study Design: In this laboratory-based simulation, phacoemulsification
cataract surgery was performed on porcine eyes. At a fixed distance, a DustTrakTM
DRX Aerosol Monitor Model 8534 (DustTrak) was positioned to quantify particle
generation during surgery. Experiments were run in triplicate for two wound
sizes, 2.4 and 2.75mm. Positive controls were established by measuring particle
generation from an aerosolizing spray-bottle. Negative controls were established
while the phacoemulsification machine was not in use.
Methods: The DustTrak was used to measure particulate matter (PM) mass
fractions for each of three particle sizes, PM1, PM2.5, and PM4 (in microns),
every 2 seconds during surgery and for one minute after. The main outcome
measure was an increase in the mass fraction of aerosolized particles of
various sizes.
Results: There was no significant aerosolization of particles during
cataract surgery for both the 2.4 and 2.75mm wound sizes.
Conclusions: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery was not found to be an
AGMP. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, ophthalmologists can continue to
use droplet precautions while performing this surgery.
