Successful Management of Exposure Keratitis Using a Simple Eye Band (SEB) in ICU Patients Unwilling to Undergo Surgical Tarsorrhaphy

TL;DR

A simple cotton gauze band called SEB was used to treat eye inflammation in ICU patients who could not undergo surgery.

Contribution

The SEB is a non-invasive, reusable alternative to surgical tarsorrhaphy for managing exposure keratitis.

Findings

The SEB allowed repeated eye exams and medication without removing the band.

Two ICU patients with exposure keratitis were successfully treated using the SEB.

The SEB avoids the need for adhesives or surgery, making it suitable for high-risk patients.

Abstract

Exposure keratitis is a common yet potentially sight-threatening ocular complication that occurs in unconscious patients in intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency settings. Various adhesive and surgical techniques have been used for its management. Adhesives may not be effective in cases of repeated eyelid opening, and surgical tarsorrhaphy may not be suitable for many patients who are unfit for the procedure. Additionally, both adhesives and sutural tarsorrhaphy can limit repeated ocular examinations and the frequent instillation of medications. To address these challenges, we devised a simple homemade cotton gauze band named the simple eye band (SEB) and successfully managed two cases of exposure keratitis in patients who were unwilling to undergo surgical tarsorrhaphy. The SEB has the advantage of being easily opened and closed, similar to opening a book, allowing repeated ocular examinations and the instillation of eye drops without the need for adhesives or invasive procedures.

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