What should ophthalmic medical assistants do when they have open cuts on their hands?

Wearing gloves is essential for ophthalmic medical assistants with open cuts on their hands because it serves as a protective barrier. Gloves prevent any potential transmission of pathogens, both from the assistant to the patient and vice versa, thereby reducing the risk of infection for both parties. Open cuts can be gateways for bacteria, which is especially critical in a medical setting where the risk of contamination is heightened. Donning gloves ensures that the assistant can carry out their duties safely without compromising hygiene.

Using gloves also aligns with universal precautions, which mandate that healthcare workers protect themselves and their patients from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. By standardizing the use of gloves in such situations, it promotes a safer environment for both the medical staff and patients, maintaining high standards of care in ophthalmologic practice.