Surgeons wear green or blue scrubs to reduce eye strain and sharpen their focus on red blood and tissue.

The transition from white to colored surgical scrubs began in the early 20th century. In 1914, a prominent doctor named Harry Sherman found that the traditional white uniforms were too bright and caused significant glare under new, high-intensity operating room lights. He advocated for green because it is the complementary color of red on the standard color wheel.When a surgeon stares at red blood for an extended period, the red-sensitive photoreceptors in the eye become fatigued. If the surgeon then looks at a white surface, the brain interprets the lack of red signal as a green 'ghost' image. This phenomenon is known as the 'afterimage effect' and can be highly distracting during delicate procedures.By wearing green or blue, surgeons can effectively 'reset' their vision. These colors absorb the red spectrum and neutralize the afterimages, allowing the brain to remain sensitive to different shades of red and pink. This contrast is vital for distinguishing between various types of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.Modern studies in ophthalmology confirm that these cool colors reduce eye fatigue and improve visual acuity in high-stress environments. Today, most hospitals use specific shades like 'Misty Green' or 'Ceil Blue' to maintain this optical advantage. This simple color choice remains a critical safety standard in surgical theaters worldwide.