Although white is associated with cleanliness and medicine, it is no longer the usual choice for surgeons’ clothing inside operating rooms, as shades of green and blue have replaced it. This shift was not merely a change in appearance, but was associated with the requirements of an environment in which surgeons spend hours under strong lighting, with continuous focus on blood and tissues.
White medical clothing was historically common, particularly with the establishment of concepts of sterilization and cleanliness. However, white surfaces and clothing reflect a large amount of light, which may increase glare inside the operating room and make the eye’s transition between the surgical site and the surrounding areas more tiring.
During the 20th century, the use of green and then blue gradually expanded, until the two colors became the ones most associated with surgical teams’ clothing.
One common explanation for this is related to the way the eye and brain process colors. When a surgeon focuses for a long period on blood and red tissues, the visual pathways responsible for processing color temporarily adapt, and when the gaze suddenly shifts to a white or brightly lit surface, a blue-green afterimage may appear.
This phenomenon is similar to what happens when staring at an object with a strong color and then looking at a white wall, as a person may see a shadow in a different color for a few seconds. Green or blue clothing and walls provide a less bright background compared with white, and may help reduce contrast, glare, and color afterimages during long operations.
However, this does not mean that these two colors enable surgeons to see details that cannot be seen with other colors, or that they enhance surgical accuracy in a proven manner. Rather, the matter is mainly related to providing a more comfortable visual environment, while the surgeon’s experience and the quality of lighting and equipment remain more important factors.
There is also another practical reason for using green and blue, namely that blood stains appear visually less intense on them compared with white clothing. Blood on white creates strong contrast, while this contrast is less pronounced on medium or dark shades of green and blue. However, this does not mean that contamination is concealed, as surgical clothing is subject to strict procedures regarding its use, disposal, or sterilization.
The color of clothing itself does not prevent infection, as protection inside the operating room depends on sterilization, handwashing, gloves, masks, and clothing designed to form a barrier against fluids and contaminants. Not all surgeons wear the same color, as some hospitals may use other colors to distinguish departments or roles, and clothing colors may also differ among doctors, nurses, and technicians.
However, the continued use of green and blue inside operating rooms reflects more than just a professional tradition. After white had been a primary symbol of cleanliness, eye comfort and glare reduction became part of the design of the surgical environment, turning color from merely an aesthetic choice into a practical detail in a place where visual distraction cannot be tolerated.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform that provides reliable news and objective analysis, and seeks to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world, to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding among peoples.
For more news, visit our homepage:
Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi.
Publication Date: September 22, 2026.
Updated: September 2026.
