Impact of ocular care training of nursing staff on the incidence of ocular surface disorder in medical intensive care unit patients

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge of nursing staff on ocular care in medical intensive care unit (ICU) and to compare the incidence of ocular surface disorders in patients of medical ICU pre- and post-training. METHODS: Two hundred patients admitted in medical ICU for more than 24 h underwent a detailed ocular examination along with documentation of ICU stay, ventilation status, and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scoring. An assessment on ocular care knowledge among the nursing staff of medical ICU was done. They were further given training in the form of audio-visuals and demonstration, and an eye care protocol was given to them. The second phase of the study was carried out in the same manner. A comparison was made between pre-training and post-training incidence of ocular surface disorders among ICU patients. RESULTS: Ventilated patients had more eye discharge. Incidence of eye discharge was more in patients with duration of stay of more than 7 days in ICU. Ocular surface disorders closely correlated with the degree of lagophthalmos. There was significant reduction in ocular morbidity following ocular care training of the nursing staff. CONCLUSION: Eye care is a very important part of nursing care in sedated and ventilated patients in the ICU. Ophthalmic consultations are routinely needed in ICU subjects who are hospitalized for more than 1 week or if the ICU staff suspects any eye problems.