Eye Care for Critically Ill Adults

Eye care is an important aspect of the nursing management of critically ill patients, especially for those patients whose ocular protective mechanisms may be compromised. Dryness of the cornea and disruption to corneal epithelial surface lining may result in sequelae of corneal abrasion, erosion, infection, ulceration, scarring, rupture or blindness. The intensive care patient is at increased risk for any of these events due to having a co-existing compromised immune response and being exposed to environmental factors and pathogens. Additionally, for the critically ill patient, lagopthalmos, or incomplete eyelid closure, is an important clinical sign contributing to the development of ocular surface disease (OSD).