Abstract
BackgroundSuperficial eye disorders are one of the most common complications of improper eye care in intensive care units that can lead to corneal ulcers and permanent eye damage. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the implementation of eye care protocol on the incidence of infection and superficial eye disorders in patients admitted to intensive care units.MethodsThis study was a cross-over clinical trial that was performed on 32 patients admitted to the intensive care unit with reduced or no blink reflex following loss of consciousness or receiving sedatives. The eye of the test group received eye care according to the protocol and the eye of the control group received the routine care of the ward. The data collection form included demographic and clinical information and the clinical score scale of superficial eye disorders, which were completed in 7 days for both eyes. Data analysis was performed by McNemar and Cochran tests with a 95 % confidence interval.ResultsIn the study of superficial eye disorders, the frequency of dacryorrhea and hyperemia was not significantly different in the second to seventh days in the control and test eyes (P < 0.05). The frequency of xerophthalmia was not significantly different between the control and the test eyes on the second to third days (P < 0.05), but there was a significant difference on the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh days (P = 0.0001). Also, the frequency of corneal opacity was not significantly different in the second and third days (P < 0.05), but in the fourth (P < 0.05), fifth, sixth, and seventh days, this difference was significant (P = 0.0001).ConclusionsBased on the results, although the implementation of eye care protocol has been able to have a significant effect on reducing ocular complications and problems, routine eye care in the intensive care unit also has clinical effectiveness. Therefore, in order to prevent and completely eliminate eye disorders in the intensive care unit, more evidence and research are needed.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered on https://en.irct.ir/trial/43493 on 13 November 2019 (13.11.2019) with registration number [IRCT20140307016870N5].
Highlights
Superficial eye disorders are one of the most common complications of improper eye care in intensive care units that can lead to corneal ulcers and permanent eye damage
The findings showed that the incidence of redness on the second day was observed in the control eyes of 21 (65.6 %) patients and in the test eyes of 17 patients
The findings showed that the incidence of conjunctivitis was observed in both eyes of 13 patients (40.6 %) on the second day; it was observed in the control eyes of 22 (68.7 %) patients on the seventh day and in the test eyes of 13 (40.6 %) patients with no significant difference between the control and test eyes on the second day (P = 1.000)
Summary
Superficial eye disorders are one of the most common complications of improper eye care in intensive care units that can lead to corneal ulcers and permanent eye damage. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the implementation of eye care protocol on the incidence of infection and superficial eye disorders in patients admitted to intensive care units. There is corneal epithelium and other superficial ocular disorders [1] Another risk factor for superficial eye disorders (SED) in these patients is the use of muscle relaxants and sedatives that affect the eye muscles and lead to blink reflex disorder and complete closure of the eyes, resulting in faster evaporation of tears. Studies have shown that 60 % of patients who have endotracheal tubes in whom eyelids do not close completely are at risk for ocular complications [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
