Abstract

AIM: to show that surgeons using microscopes may suffer from dry eyes. MATHERIAL AND METHOD: A group of 15 surgeons using microscope and a group of 15 surgeons working without microscope were compared. Before an operation the test was given and the same test was repeated after 3 hours work. The under 10 second break-Up Time (BUT) and the under 5 mm Schirmer test were recorded pathologically. FINDINGS: No differences were found between groups in terms of age and gender. BUT, the surgeons using a microscope were fıxed at average 8±2.87 (4-18) second and the control group at average 12±3.40 (6-17) second. The statistical difference was found to be meaningful. The Schirmer test in the group working with microscopes had aıı avarage 4±3.73 (2-20) mm while the control group avarage was 13±4.40 (3-24) mm. A statistically meaningful difference was present between the two groups. RESULTS: Dry eye disease was encounted statistically more often among surgeons using microscopes. Surgeons using microscopes can be advised to blink more often while working.