ABSTRACT
In health, the eyelid protects the eye surface. Tear production and frequent blinking maintains health and moistens eye surfaces. While many ICU patients can maintain their own ocular health, some may develop complications. Problems can occur from:
n increased intraoccular pressure or periorbital oedema (especially prone positioning);
n impaired blink reflex, such as from paralysis (disease or chemical); n decreased tear production; n patient being unable to move their head; n eye infection.
