Effect of Evidence-Based Eye Care Protocol in Intensive Care Units

Effect of Evidence-Based Eye Care Protocol in Intensive Care Units

In intensive care patients, normal eye protection mechanisms such as tear production, blinking and keeping the eyes closed are impaired.

If eye-related complications are not diagnosed and treated in time, they can cause microbial keratitis and vision loss. This study was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study to examine the effect of using an evidence-based protocol on eye care on ophthalmologic complications. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized, and one eye of the patients will be assigned to the intervention group (experimental group) and the other to the control group. When the study reaches 40 patients, G*Power analysis will be applied and the sample size will be decided according to the result.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients connected to mechanical ventilator,
• Newly intubated patients,
• Patients who have not been diagnosed with keratopathy and keratoconjunctivitis as of hospitalization,
• Patients who have not been diagnosed with burns and facial injuries,
• Patients without chronic lagophthalmos and eye trauma before ICU admission

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have received topical drug therapy other than ocular lubrication
• Patients with muscle weakness as a result of cranial nerve VII (facial) nerve palsy
• Patients with chronic lagophthalmos and eye infections
• Those with rheumatological diseases
• Those with neurological/neuropathic disease that will affect eye closure