Comparison of eye protection methods for corneal abrasion during general anesthesia

Abstract

Background: Corneal abrasion is one of the most common ophthalmic complications that occurs after general anesthesia. Although they can occur by direct contact with surgical drapes or masks, most occur as a result of the drying of the cornea exposed during general anesthesia due to a reduced amount of tear secretions, the loss of light reflex, or the loss of recognition of pain during the procedure. Thus, to prevent corneal abrasions during general anesthesia, proper eye protection is required. Methods: Seventy-two patients (144 eyes) were divided into four groups as follows: 1) control group: careful manual eye closure; 2) adhesive tape group: a bandage attached over the eyelid; 3) ointment group: eye ointment placed into the eye followed by eye closure; and 4) ointment and tape group: eye ointment placed into the eye followed by a bandage attached over the eyelid, with the patient subjected to both methods for each eye. The National Eye Institute (NEI) scale, conjunctiva hyperemia scale, tear break-up time, and Schmer test were conducted before and after operation. Results: No statistically significant difference was noted between groups regarding the NEI scale, conjunctiva hyperemia scale, tear break-up time, or Schirmer test. Conclusions: To prevent corneal abrasions in normal patients undergoing general anesthesia, eye taping, eye ointment application , or taping after eye ointment application will not significantly reduce the degree of corneal epithelial damage compared to manual eye closure. (Anesth Pain Med 2016; 11: 99-103)