What should the assistant ensure about the instruments on the back table?

Ensuring that the instruments on the back table are sterile and organized is critical for a successful surgical procedure. Sterility is paramount in preventing infection and ensuring patient safety; any instrument that comes into contact with the eye or surrounding tissues needs to be free from pathogens. The assistant plays a vital role in maintaining this sterility throughout the procedure, which includes regularly checking the instruments for signs of contamination.

Organization is equally important because it allows the surgical team to efficiently access the necessary instruments at the right time. An organized back table minimizes the risk of delays during surgery, which can be detrimental in a sterile field. It also helps reduce confusion, ensuring that the right instruments are used as needed without unnecessary searching.

While other aspects, such as quality and size of instruments, are important considerations, the foremost responsibility of the assistant in this context is to confirm that all instruments are both sterile and arranged in a way that facilitates smooth and safe surgical operations.