title: Randomised trial comparing ocular lubricants and polyacrylamide hydrogel dressings in the prevention of exposure keratopathy in the critically ill.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the cost and effectiveness of the two most popular forms of eye care in intensive care, ocular lubricant (Lacrilube) and polyacrylamide hydrogel dressings (Geliperm); for the prevention of exposure keratopathy in the critically ill.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective randomised contralateral eye study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Royal London Hospital, London, UK. Eighty eyes of 40 patients were recruited. Each patient received both Lacrilube and Geliperm allocated at random to different sides. A daily ophthalmology ward round was conducted. The outcome measures included the greatest palpebral aperture length, conjunctival oedema, and any exposure keratopathy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistically significant difference in the maximum corneal exposure score between the eyes treated with Lacrilube and Geliperm (P = 0.38). No significant difference in degree of chemosis or palpebral aperture was identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data suggest that Geliperm is as effective as Lacrilube in the prevention of exposure keratopathy in the critically ill. We also note that nursing staff must be fully trained in its application for eye care.
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK. d.ezra@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Daniel G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Ezra
authors.forename: Michelle P Y
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Lola
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Solebo
authors.forename: Aeesha P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coombes
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Healy
mesh_terms: D000178:Acrylamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000362:Agar / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000178:Acrylamides; D000180:Acrylic Resins; C044284:Geliperm; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C016680:polyacrylamide gels; D000362:Agar