Comparison of artificial tear gel and antibiotic ointment for eye protection during general anaesthesia

Abstract

Although it is rare, ocular complications which may occur under general anaesthesia are clinically important, since they may cause visual impairment and/or eye injury. The objective of this study is the comparison of artificial tear gel and antibiotic ointment for eye protection during general anaesthesia. Thirty nonocular surgery cases which were in ASA I-II class included into the study and all operations performed electively. Patients haden't any signs of eye disease preoperatively. While one eye is protected with artificial tear gel, antibiotic ointment is used for other one. Eye examination repeated by the same physician using fluorescing dye after second and fourth hour postoperatively. Comparison of results has revealed that there was a statistically significant difference from the point of conjunctival hyperemia and destruction of tear film layer between two groups (p<0.05). It was concluded that usage of artificial tear gel is superior to antibiotic ointment for preventing ocular complications which may occur under general anaesthesia.