Management of corneal ulceration with a moisture chamber due to temporary lagophthalmos in a brain injury patient: A case report

BACKGROUND: This study describes the use of a moisture chamber to treat corneal ulceration due to temporary lagophthalmos in a critically ill patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 46-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit after a car accident. She suffered multiple injuries that included brain injury and presented with moderately decreased consciousness and lagophthalmos in her right eye. Within 6 d, her consciousness improved considerably; at which time, exposure keratopathy occurred and worsened to corneal ulceration. Lubricating gel, antibiotic ointment, and bandage contact lens were all ineffective in preventing or treating the exposure keratopathy. Instead of tarsorrhaphy, a moisture chamber was applied which successfully controlled the corneal ulceration. The moisture chamber was discontinued when complete eyelid closure recovered a week later. CONCLUSION: A moisture chamber may be an effective, noninvasive alternative to tarsorrhaphy for treating severe exposure keratopathy due to temporary lagophthalmos.