Uncommon ophthalmologic disorders in intensive care unit patients

J Crit Care. 2012 Dec;27(6):746.e9-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2012.07.013. Epub 2012 Sep 19.

Abstract

Ophthalmologic complications are frequently encountered in intensive care unit (ICU) patients (Grixti et al. Ocul Surf 2012;10(1):26-42). However, eye care is often overlooked in the critical care setting or just limited to the ocular surface because treatment is focussed on the management of organ failures. Lack of awareness about other less common intraocular sight-threatening conditions may have a devastating effect on the patient's vision. To identify specific, frequently missed uncommon ocular disorders in ICU, a literature review using the keywords "Intensive Care," "Eye care," "ITU," "ICU," "Ophthalmological disorders," "Eye disorders" was performed. The databases of CINAHL, PuBMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched. The higher quality studies are summarized in the table with statements of methodology to clarify the level of evidence. The most prevalent ophthalmologic disorders identified in critically ill subjects include exposure keratopathy, chemosis, and microbial keratitis. In addition, uncommon eye disorders reported in ICU include metastatic endogenous endophthalmitis, acute primary angle closure, ischemic optic neuropathy, pupil abnormalities, vascular occlusions, and rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis. Early diagnosis and effective treatment will help to prevent visual loss.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Awareness*
  • Corneal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Corneal Diseases / etiology
  • Corneal Diseases / prevention & control
  • Critical Illness
  • Eye Diseases / epidemiology
  • Eye Diseases / etiology*
  • Eye Diseases / prevention & control
  • Eye Diseases / therapy
  • Eye Infections / epidemiology
  • Eye Infections / etiology
  • Eye Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis