EC Ophthalmology

Eyes are the windows of the body and brain. Examination of eyes alone helps in identifying several systemic disorders including like vasculitis, storage disorders, diabetes, hypertension etc. Furthermore, as the optic nerve is a direct extension of the brain, disorders affecting the optic nerve leading to optic neuritis as seen in demyelinating illnesses and papilledema as observed in elevated intracranial tension can be detected on ophthalmological examination. Patients with life-threatening situations who need the complete care of a multidisciplinary team are admitted and treated in intensive care units (ICUs). The primary goals of the medical personnel when a patient is in a hospital are to stabilize their state, maintain basic vital functions, and manage life-threatening illnesses. Conditions affecting skin and eyes are generally overlooked and ignored while managing patients in an intensive care unit [1,2].

1. Selvan H., et al. “Neglected ocular surface care in critical care medicine: An observational study”. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 4 (2020): 350-354.
2. Ramirez F., et al. “The neglected eye: Ophthalmological issues in the intensive care unit”. Critical Care and Shock3 (2008): 72-82.
3. Imanaka H., et al. “Ocular surface disorders in the critically ill”. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2 (1997): 343-346.
4. Menezes AV., et al. “Mortality of hospitalized patients with Candida endophthalmitis”. Archives of Internal Medicine 18 (1994): 2093-2097.