This document provides eye care tips for patients in the ICU. It recommends daily assessment of patients' ability to close their eyelids to prevent complications and administering eye lubricants every 2 hours for those unable to close their eyelids independently. Mechanical methods like taping the eyelids should be used if eyelid closure cannot be maintained passively. Specific dos and don'ts are provided for eyelid taping and lubricant application to protect the cornea while the patient is intubated or unconscious. Seeking immediate ophthalmologist opinion is advised if a white line appears inside the eye.

1. EYE CARE TIPS
in ICU
Mohamed ELShafie
Lecturer of ophthalmology
Kafr ELShiekh university

7. Evidence based practice
recommendations
for
Eye care in ICU

8. Assessment
Eye care
Eyelid closure
o Daily assessment of patients’
ability to maintain an eyelid
closure
o Observation for iatrogenic
ophthalmologic complications

9. Assessment
Eye care
Eyelid closure
o Ointments & drops are more
effective at reducing the
incidence of corneal abrasions.
o All patients who cannot achieve
eyelid closure independently &
unconscious or heavily sedated
patients should receive eye care
every 2hrs (cleaning with saline
soaked gauze & the
administration of an eye specific
lubricant).

10. Assessment
Eye care
Eyelid closure
o Eyelid closure should be
maintained.
o If eyelid closure cannot be
maintained passively then
mechanical methods should be
used.

12. TIP - 1
• in case of White line visible
inside eye:
Seek ophthalmologist opinion
IMMEDIATELY

13. TIP - 2
• Head end suctioning

14. DO’S
&
DONT’S

15. DO’S
• Pull lower eyelid to form a
pouch and instil lubricating
ointment directly into the
lower fornix

16. DO’S
• Apply micropore horizontally
across the lids to seal them
(transparent tape preferable)
• Manually close the upper lid to
oppose the lower lid with
direction of lashes facing out.

17. DONT’S
• Unnecessary taping
• Taping in suspicion of
infection

18. DONT’S
• Avoid gauzes
(can predispose to corneal
abrasions)
• Touching of ointment
applicator nozzle

19. It is said that
Eyes are Mirror of our Soul,
so do take care of them,
they are Priceless.

20. Mohamed ELShafie
Lecturer of ophthalmology
Kafr ELShiekh university