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A randomised controlled study of the effecacy of hypromellose and lacri-Lube combination versus polyethylene/clingwrap to prevent corneal epithelial breakdown in the semiconscious intensive care patient

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 18:05 authored by Koroloff, N, Boots, R, Lipman, J, Thomas, P, Rickard, CM, Coyer, F
Objective: To compare the efficacy of two forms of eye care (hypromellose and Lacri-Lube combination vs polyethylene/Cling wrap covers) for intensive care patients. Design: Randomised-controlled trial. Setting: University affiliated, tertiary referral hospital. Patients and participants: One hundred ten patients with a reduced or absent blink reflex were followed through until they regained consciousness, were discharged from the facility during study enrolment, died or developed a positive corneal ulcer or eye infection. Interventions: All patients received standard eye cleansing every 2 h. In addition to this, group one (n=60) received a treatment combining hypromellose drops and Lacri-Lube (HL) to each eye every 2 h. Group two (n=50) had polyethylene covers only placed over the eye to create a moisture chamber. Measurements and results: Corneal ulceration was determined using corneal fluorescein stains and mobile slit lamp evaluation, performed daily. No patients had corneal ulceration in the polyethylene cover group, but 4 patients had corneal ulceration in the HL group. Conclusions: Polyethylene covers are as effective as HL in reducing the incidence of corneal damage in intensive care patients. © Springer-Verlag 2004.

History

Publication title

Intensive Care Medicine

Volume

30

Issue

6

Pagination

1122-1126

ISSN

0342-4642

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Springer

Place of publication

United States

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Nursing

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