Postoperative Management of Corneal Abrasions and Clinical Implications: a Comprehensive Review

• Published in: Current pain and headache reports Vol. 23; no. 7; pp. 48 - 9
• Main Authors: Kaye, Alan David, Renschler, Jordan S., Cramer, Kelsey D., Anyama, Best O., Anyama, Easy C., Gayle, Julie A., Armstead-Williams, Cassandra M., Mosieri, Chizoba N., Saus, J. Arthur, Cornett, Elyse M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.07.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Anesthesia, General - adverse effects; Anesthesiology - methods; Cornea; Corneal Injuries - diagnosis; Corneal Injuries - therapy; Hot Topics in Pain and Headache (N Rosen; Humans; Injuries; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; Pain Medicine; Postoperative Complications - surgery; Postoperative Period; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Hot Topics in Pain and Headache; Ocular injury; Eye injury; Corneal abrasions; Perioperative eye injury; Eye trauma
• ISSN: 1531-3433; 1534-3081
• DOI: 10.1007/s11916-019-0784-y

Purpose of Review Total patient care is of extreme importance during the administration of anesthesia. Proper care of the eye is necessary during all anesthetic administrations, especially during the administration of general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care. By paying attention to details, the likelihood of an occurrence of eye injuries is reduced. Recent Findings Though perioperative eye injuries are rare during general anesthesia, they do account for 2–3% of claims against anesthesiologists. Ocular injuries may occur during general anesthesia even when tape has been utilized for eye closure. Corneal abrasions are the most common injuries that have been attributed to direct trauma to the eye, exposure keratopathy, or chemical injury. Using a hydrogel patch during general anesthesia is also associated with more frequent corneal injury than previously thought. Summary Prevention of anesthesia-related eye injuries assumes a high priority since the eye is one of the major sense organs of the body. The eye can be damaged during anesthesia for both non-ophthalmic and ophthalmic surgeries.