The comparison of four different methods of perioperative eye protection under general anesthesia in prone position

Abstract

AimThe purpose of this study was to compare and assess the efficacy of hypoallergen adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, artificial tear liquid gel and ocular lubricant pomade for perioperative protection of eyes under general anesthesia in prone position.MethodsOne hundred and eighty four patients (368 eyes) undergoing general anesthesia for >90 min for spi-nal procedures were divided randomly into four groups. Hypoallergen ad-hesive tape, antibiotic ointment, artificial tear liquid gel or ocular lubricant pomade was applied into the eyes. The patients underwent complete oph-thalmic examination, including corrected visual acuity measurement, basal tear production, corneal and conjunctival staining both before and after sur-gery.ResultsBasal tear production was reduced in all groups compared to preoperative values (P < 0.001). The overall incidence of corneal epithelial defects was 12.77% in recovery room of which 2.72% occurred in group 1, 2.72% in group 2, 5.16% in group 3 and 2.17% in group 4. There was no sig-nificant difference between groups according to adhesive lids (P > 0.05). There was no difference between pre and postoperative visual acuity.ConclusionAll of the methods are suitable for protecting corneal injuries. But none of them is good enough to avoid temporary symptoms in postoperative period. During general anesthesia eyes need protection either by tape, gel, ointment or pomade to reduce the incidence of corneal injuries.

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