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We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the recent report on innovative draping methods to minimize elevated oxygen concentrations in ophthalmic surgical fields. We agree that using a standard nasal cannula does not absolutely eliminate the risk of fire during ophthalmic surgery, but we still assert that it is safer than using a face mask. One of the studies cited by Tao and Hirabayashi found oxygen levels higher than atmospheric (25.8%) at the left lateral canthus when delivering oxygen via nasal cannula at relatively high flow rates (6 liters/min). Readings were performed on supine volunteers simulating patients undergoing cervical node biopsy. Near atmospheric oxygen levels were found around the eyes at low to normal flow rates between 2 and 4 liters/min O2. However, Tao et al found average oxygen levels up to 31.3% in the ophthalmic surgical field using patient simulator mannequins at high flow rates (6 liters/min). In our investigation, we prospectively studied open-face draped patients undergoing ophthalmic plastic surgery receiving oxygen via nasal cannula or face mask. We found that patients receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at normal flow rates had near atmospheric oxygen levels in the periocular area.