Published online Feb 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i5.1127
Peer-review started: September 2, 2020
First decision: November 26, 2020
Revised: December 9, 2020
Accepted: December 16, 2020
Article in press: December 16, 2020
Published online: February 16, 2021
Processing time: 150 Days and 3.8 Hours
This study describes the use of a moisture chamber to treat corneal ulceration due to temporary lagophthalmos in a critically ill patient.
A 46-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit after a car accident. She suffered multiple injuries that included brain injury and presented with moderately decreased consciousness and lagophthalmos in her right eye. Within 6 d, her consciousness improved considerably; at which time, exposure keratopathy occurred and worsened to corneal ulceration. Lubricating gel, antibiotic ointment, and bandage contact lens were all ineffective in preventing or treating the exposure keratopathy. Instead of tarsorrhaphy, a moisture chamber was applied which successfully controlled the corneal ulceration. The moisture chamber was discontinued when complete eyelid closure recovered a week later.
A moisture chamber may be an effective, noninvasive alternative to tarsorrhaphy for treating severe exposure keratopathy due to temporary lagophthalmos.
Core Tip: Moisture chambers, including moisture chamber spectacles, swimming goggles, and polyethylene covers that cover the area from the eyebrow to the cheek, act as barriers against tear evaporation and provide direct protection of the ocular surface. Here, we report a 46-year-old woman with lagophthalmos in her right eye treated with a moisture chamber, who suffered a brain injury after a car accident. Use of the moisture chamber successfully controlled the corneal ulceration.