Concern
Posted , 3 users are following.
General info: I have been going to a dermatologist for a while to treat my acne. The doctor uses an eye mask (resembles a sleep mask) with a folded piece of paper to cover my eyes so I don't get blinded by the lights of the machine for about 10 minutes. I recently saw that the doctor uses the same mask for every patient by covering the underside (the side that touches the patients eyes) with a new piece of paper.
Concern: Am I overthinking this? or is it there something wrong with this tactic.
Thank you in advance, hope my post wasn't completely out of touch.
0 likes, 3 replies
Marina_Dee josh64017
Edited
I understand your reasoning , and I dont think you would have been concerned if Covid wasnt in all our minds, and the need for super cleanliness. I do think he should be using a disposable eye mask for each patient, unless there is some way he is sterilising the basic mask. He must be reasoning that a fresh piece of paper is ample for each patient, even though the face is one of the key areas for transfer of this virus. How do you know he is using the same basic mask for each patient? As a matter of interest, is he wearing new disposable gloves for each patient?
josh64017 Marina_Dee
Posted
Thank you for the answer!
As far as I have seen the doctor has been consistent in changing gloves when checking up on me. Recently while I was waiting to pay (in the hall next to the operation room) I saw that the doctor used the same mask i had worn on another patient. So, I asked to make sure and was told that the piece of paper that is put in between the mask and the patients face prevented any transmission. I wasn't not 100% convinced, but considering I am not an expert on the topic I wanted a second opinion.
Regarding my initial concern I was mostly worried about any potential risk for my eyes since it is sometimes sloppily put together, but I realize that it is a bit of a stretch.
joshuapryce1987 josh64017
Posted
It may not be a problem. It depends on the issues of the person who wore the mask before you, maybe its not very likely you will contract a infection from an earlier patient from the eyes. It could be careless work on the specialists behalf, its hard to say exactly. Generally speaking i do not think you should have much concern. Dentists tend to do the same thing.