Comparing the Effectiveness of Two Methods of Eye Care in the Prevention of Ocular Surface Disorders in Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit

Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit، who have decreased level of consciousness and are receiving sedative and paralytic drugs; lose the protective mechanisms of eyes. Consequently increases the risk of developing ocular surface disorders. Therefore، the aim of this study was to Comparing the effectiveness of two methods of eye care in prevention of ocular surface disorders in critically ill patients. In this clinical trial، 42 eligible patients divided in two groups by random allocation method. Each of the eyes in each group of patients randomized to receive one method of eye care. Simple eye ointment was administered every 6 hours and tapes were replaced every 6 hours، too. The eyes were examined daily for ocular surface disorders، by an intensivist and with a portable slit lamp، for seven days. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical test (Chi-square، Fisher exact، ANOVA and T-test) with SPSS Ver 20. Of the 20 eyes that had a positive fluorescein test، three (3. 6%) were in the simple eye ointment group and seventeen (20. 2%) were in the eyelid taping group. This difference was statistically significant (χ2=12. 8، P=0. 000). In the present study، simple eye ointment and had the greatest impact on the prevention of ocular surface disorders than eyelids taping. Thus، using the simple eye ointment for eye care، are recommended.