Draping the eye is important for eye surgery. It helps us to create a sterile field and it isolates the eyelashes from the ocular surface. The eyelid margin and eyelashes are often the source of bacteria and the glands can create an oily coating on the cornea which impedes the surgeon’s view.

It is important to dry the eyelids well to ensure that the drapes stick properly. The handle of a cotton swab is then used to elevate the superior eyelid while the patient is asked to look down and the drape is placed directly over the eye and pulled open on both sides. An assistant can be handed the bottom part of the surgical eye drape, which is snapped over a swan in order to tent the drape up, ensuring that it does not cover the patient’s mouth.

Draping allows access to the eye and complete visualization. Eye drapes designed with a unique, fluid-containment pouch that helps reduce exposure during phacoemulsification and other fluid-intensive procedures. Draping helps keep the bacteria away from our surgical incisions and may help reduce the risk of infection.