Ocular Surface Disorders in Patients in Intensive Care Units, a Comparative Study of Three Preventive Approaches

Ocular Surface Disorders in Patients in Intensive Care Units, a Comparative Study

60% of the patients hospitalized in intensive care and sedated suffer from insufficient inferior eyelid occlusion. Thus, they are at risk for corneal damage (estimated risk 20% to 57%). The prevention of such corneal damage can be done using several techniques (artificial tears, eyelid occlusion dressing, aqueous gel). The efficacy of these techniques has never been compared in a rigorous study. Therefore it is not yet possible to determine an evidence-based strategy to prevent corneal damage in intensive care patients.

This study aims at assessing the efficacy of primary prevention of corneal lesions in intensive care patients, in order to elaborate an evidence-based nursing protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patient
• hospitalized in an intensive care unit
• tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation since less than 24 hours, with an expected duration of artificial ventilation superior to 72h

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient currently treated by eyedrops for glaucoma
• antecedent of corneal transplant
• ocular prosthesis