Hi-
I wanted to echo Amy and Richard’s cautions.
I had a client who went into the hospital for a temporary visit. Her eyes weren’t taped shut at night, and she didn’t get adequate eye drops during the day, and she develop ulcers/went blind.
I also wanted to mention that the individual in LA who used an “eye crutch”, was getting eye drops every 10-15 minutes. (He was either an ophthalmologist or optometrist, I don’t remember which.)
He was totally locked in (no eye movement), and using a lie detector as a communication device.
Margaret
Margaret Cotts Assistive Technology Specialist
Low Tech Solutions Low Tech Communication Aids
Store: store.lowtechsolutions.org
Resource: lowtechsolutions.org
Phone: (510) 681-3639 | Fax: (510) 842-1748
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Hurtig, Richard R
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2014 7:00 AM
To: National ALS Association AT Listserv
Subject: RE: eye crutches
I would urge caution at any use of a device to keep the eyelids open, without proper lubrication the corneas can ulcerate and lead to blindness.
R
Richard Hurtig, Ph.D.
Professor & Starch Faculty Fellow
Dept of Communication Sciences & Disorders
The University of Iowa
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Alisa Brownlee
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 9:01 AM
To: National ALS Association AT Listserv
Subject: eye crutches
Has anyone used eye crutches to keep eyelids open?
Any input appreciated.
Thx
Alisa
Alisa Brownlee, ATP
Assistive Technology Specialist
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association, National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Conference Chair, RESNA 2014 Convention
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