Effectiveness of 2 Pretreatment Methods in Antifogging of Goggles in a COVID-19 Isolation Ward: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the pretreatment of goggles with iodophor solution and antibacterial hand sanitizer to reduce the fogging of goggles. METHODS: A total of 90 health care workers were divided into a control group (n = 30), an iodophor solution group (n = 30), and an antibacterial hand sanitizer group (n = 30). This study evaluated the degree of fogging of goggles and the light transmission, comfort, eye irritation, and the impact of goggles on the medical work of staff. RESULTS: The antibacterial hand sanitizer group had the lowest amount of goggle fogging and the most transparent view. Participants in the control group reported the worst light transmission and comfort level, followed by the iodophor solution group. In contrast, the goggles in the antibacterial hand sanitizer group had the best light transmission and comfort level. The iodophor solution group participants reported more eye irritation. Participants in the control group reported that the goggles severely impacted their medical work, with a less severe impact reported by the iodophor solution group. The antibacterial hand sanitizer group did not report any impact on their medical work. DISCUSSION: When the goggles were internally coated with antibacterial hand sanitizer solution (diluted 1:1 with distilled water), the antifog effect was significant. Moreover, the goggles treated with antibacterial hand sanitizer had a clearer field of vision, were reported as non-irritating to the eyes, and significantly improved the efficiency of COVID-19 health care workers, including emergency nurses and providers.