Long surgeries are critical for patients’ health and recovery processes. However, protecting the eyes in this process is at least as important as protecting other organs. Taping techniques used during surgery are an important practice to prevent patients from experiencing serious eye problems after waking up. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the details of the eye taping process and the negative situations that may arise as a result of incorrect application.
Taping to Protect Our Cornea
Under general anesthesia, patients experience a decrease in tear production. This can cause the cornea to dry out and erode over time. Thus, when the eyelids do not close sufficiently or the reflexes are lost, the necessity of taping the eyes arises. Taping is vital for protecting the cornea. However, there are many factors to consider when implementing this process.
Risks of Eye Patching Procedure
Approximately 60% of patients cannot close their eyes completely after surgery. This necessitates the use of eye patches or ointments. However, the taping process also has some risks. For example, various damage to the eyes may occur due to the stickiness of the tapes. Since corneal abrasion is observed in 44% of eyes without protection, tape use, although becoming widespread, may have undesirable consequences in some patients.
The Importance of Band Selection
Tape selection plays a critical role in protecting the eyes. Although sterile and soft tapes are used, long-term use of these tapes may cause eye abrasions in individuals who lie face down or have chronic health problems. Especially in elderly patients, since the facial skin is more sensitive, the possibility of damage from the tapes increases. Therefore, it is extremely important for healthcare professionals to be careful during taping and to choose appropriate tape systems.
Things to Consider During the Taping Process
During the taping process, special tape systems can be used to prevent them from sticking to the eyelashes. Additionally, gluing may be challenging for healthcare personnel to do while wearing gloves. Such practices are necessary to ensure the comfort of patients and minimize negative effects. The health of the eyes is of great importance not only after surgery, but also during the general life process.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Eye taping is a critical step in maintaining eye health after surgery. However, this process must be carried out carefully and appropriate tapes must be selected. Protecting patients’ eyes is a situation that directly affects their quality of life. Healthcare professionals giving due importance to this issue and raising patients’ awareness will make a great contribution to protecting eye health.
Resources
- PubMed
- National Library of Medicine
- ScienceDirect
- TARD
- Sharn
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