2005 - 06-28-05

Humidity Control: Of all the
variables involved with a sterile environment
and successful Cataract surgery, humidity is one
of the biggest. If the humidity was too high, or
low, infectious spores could grow or mutate and
be carried around the room by human movement.

But Dr. Patterson has gone to
extraordinary measures to control humidity in
his facility. You see, during construction, the
contractors placed a layer of rubberized asphalt
laminated to a polyethylene film under the
concrete slab to prevent vapor from seeping up
through the concrete floor.

Plus, he also uses a
combination humidifier/dehumidifier system to
add or remove moisture from the air as
necessary.

Dust and Airborne Particles:
Obviously dust and other airborne particles can
cause infections.

Just like humidity, invisible
dust or airborne particles may come in contact
with the eye during surgery and cause an
infection later on. This is why the air in the
room is exchanged a minimum of two times every
five minutes. Dr. Patterson's system for doing
this is one of the most advanced of its kind,
and also includes a HEPA filtration system which
filters the dust and particles out of the air at
the same time.

Temperature Control: In
conjunction with humidity control, temperature
control is important in consistent successful
outcomes. Dr. Patterson maintains a constant 68°
in the room at all times. The surgery center
features a digitally controlled heating,
ventilation and air conditioning system with
graphical software and telelink modem. Dr.
Patterson controls the temperature to plus or
minus 1/10 (one-tenth) of a degree.