Development of a new eye care guideline for critically ill patients.

Ventilated, critically ill patients have an increased risk of corneal exposure and microbial keratitis; however there is evidence that eye care is a neglected area of patient care. An audit of eye surface disease and eye care documentation revealed a problem within one general intensive care unit (GICU). An education programme was developed to highlight the incidence of eye surface disease and importance of eye care in the ventilated patient.