A Comparison Between Bandage Contact Lens, Punctal Plugs and Standard Measures in Preventing Corneal Injuries

This is a prospective, randomized study Study Population: Consecutive patients admitted to the General Intensive Care Unit of the Rabin Medical Center and Sharon Hospital Medical Center over a 6-month period who meet criteria for inclusion. Procedures: Consecutive patients meeting inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Patients will be randomized to 3 groups: the bandage contact lens group, who will be assigned to insertion of a bandage contact lens; the punctal plug group, who will be assigned to the insertion of punctal plugs; and the control group, who will be assigned to standard eye care as currently practiced in the ICU. In addition, patients in the study will be examined every 4 days by a physician from the ophthalmology department and at either discharge from the ICU or at time of death.