Ocular injury is but a devastating condition that can occur perioperatively under general anesthesia. Corneal abrasion is the most common ocular injury during general anesthesia, surpassing case incidence of damage caused by patient movement in ophthalmologic surgery. Causes of ocular injury include corneal drying due to the suppression of tear ducts from anesthetic agents, direct physical trauma, or agitation from the volatile anesthetic used. Ocular injury may also occur due to bacterial infection with MRSA, preventative methods, or rubbing of the eyes postoperatively due to agitation. Agitation may be caused by corneal drying or by shift or disruption in rapid eye movement sleep cycle from light penetration through the eyelids. Attempts at prevention of corneal abrasion have been used, including taping the eyelids shut, manual eye closure, paraffin-based ointment application into the conjunctival sac, and the use of hydrophilic contact lenses, although only a few studies have validated the comparison of these methods' effectiveness.
Eyeprotx™ Protective Goggles have been designed specifically for use in the operating room or in any scenario where general anesthesia must be used, such as intubation in an emergency. Current ocular protective measures such as tapes during anesthesia have been associated with injury and infection. With this study, we hope to find a safer preventative technique against ocular injury during the perioperative period.
