title: Common ocular surface disorders in patients in intensive care units.
abstract: Ocular surface disorders are frequently encountered in patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Because of significant impairment of major organs, treatment is focused on the management of organ failures. Therefore, ophthalmological complications are frequently overlooked in this setting. To identify the types and frequencies of ocular surface disorders reported in patients in ICUs, a literature review using the keywords: Intensive Care; Eye care; ICU; ITU; Ophthalmological disorders; Eye disorders was performed. The databases of CINAHL, PUBMED, EMBASE and COCHRANE library were searched. The higher quality papers are summarized in tables with statements of methodology to clarify the level of evidence. The most prevalent ocular disorders identified in ICU patients were exposure keratopathy (3.6% to 60%), chemosis (9% to 80%), and microbial keratitis. Of the various eye care measures that have been advocated to prevent exposure keratopathy, the most effective is the application of moisture chambers or polyethylene covers. Early diagnosis and effective treatment will help to prevent microbial keratitis and visual loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, United Kingdom. grixti.andre@gmail.com
authors.forename: Andre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grixti
authors.forename: Maziar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sadri
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Edgar
authors.forename: Amit Vikram
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Datta
mesh_terms: D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D016638:Critical Illness; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units