Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Eyelid Taping Alone Versus Taping With Lubricant Eye Drops for Perioperative Corneal Protection
Sponsor: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
Summary
During general anesthesia, the eye's natural protective reflexes are suppressed, which can lead to corneal drying and injury. To prevent this, anesthesiologists routinely tape the eyelids closed. In many centers, lubricant eye drops are also applied in addition to taping, but whether this adds meaningful protection is unclear.This study will compare two approaches to eye protection during general anesthesia lasting 30 minutes to 3 hours: eyelid taping alone versus eyelid taping combined with lubricant eye drops. Two hundred adult patients undergoing elective, non-eye surgery in the supine position will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups.The main outcome is corneal surface damage measured by a standardized fluorescein staining score (NEI scale, 0-15) assessed by a blinded evaluator one hour after surgery. Secondary outcomes include tear film stability (TBUT), tear production (Schirmer test), patient-reported eye symptoms at 2 and 24 hours after surgery, and a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the two approaches.If taping alone proves equally effective, routine use of lubricant eye drops may be unnecessary, reducing costs without compromising patient safety.
Official title: Eyelid Taping Alone Versus Taping With Lubricant Eye Drops for Perioperative Corneal Protection During General Anesthesia: A Randomized Assessor-Blinded Trial With Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
200
Start Date
2026-06-01
Completion Date
2026-12-02
Last Updated
2026-05-07
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Hypoallergenic Eyelid Taping
Hypoallergenic surgical tape is applied horizontally across the tarsal plate of both eyes immediately after anesthesia induction and loss of lid reflex, prior to airway securing. The tape covers the entire lid margin without contacting the eyelashes. It remains in place until extubation is complete and spontaneous eye opening is confirmed.
Hypoallergenic Eyelid Taping With Lubricant Eye Drops
Preservative-free lubricant eye drops (carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%, single-dose vial) are instilled into both conjunctival fornices immediately after anesthesia induction and loss of lid reflex. Hypoallergenic surgical tape is then applied horizontally across the tarsal plate of both eyes. Tape remains in place until extubation is complete and spontaneous eye opening is confirmed.
Locations (1)
Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)