Anesthesia screens are used to block the anesthesia field from the patient's line of sight, eliminating the patient anxiety and distraction that can come with viewing the anesthesiologist's movements.

Surgery anesthesia screens are also intended to separate the anesthesia field from the surgical site to reduce the risk of contamination. The adjustable frame is used to accommodate a sheet that can be suspended anywhere along the length of the patient's body. Anesthesia screens are also sometimes used as supporting mechanisms for light sources and surgical retractors.