Eye Care Practice in Intensive Care Units. A Rapid Review

Ocular Surface Diseases (OSDs) are frequently underrecognized in critically ill patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and deep sedation in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Despite their well-documented impact on post-discharge quality of life, ocular care remains a secondary priority, often overshadowed by the management of vital organ dysfunction.This study aimed to identify evidence-based nursing practices effective in the prevention and management of OSDs among sedated, mechanically ventilated ICU patients. A rapid review of the literature was conducted between February and August 2024 and registered with PROSPERO (CRD4202*******). Literature searches were carried out in MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, targeting full-text articles published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria.Due to the heterogeneity of study designs, a narrative synthesis was performed in place of a meta-analysis. The findings consistently demonstrated that nursing interventions—such as regular ocular cleansing with sterile isotonic saline, application of preservative-free lubricating ointments, and use of moisture chambers—are effective when tailored to the severity of eyelid dysfunction and adjusted for environmental conditions including humidity, temperature, and lighting.These results highlight the urgent need for the development and implementation of standardized, evidence-based protocols for ocular care in ICU settings. Addressing this often-overlooked aspect of patient safety may substantially improve ocular outcomes and contribute to enhanced quality of life following ICU discharge for this vulnerable population.