Abstract: Objective: To systematically analyze the incidence and risk factors of exposure keratopathy in ICU patients, provide reference basis for early intervention by clinical medical staff. Methods: We searched literature on the incidence and (or) risk factors of exposure keratopathy in ICU patients from domestic and foreign databases. The literature were screened strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Publication bias were determined by the Beggs test and the funnel plot. Results: A total of 15 articles involving 2470 patients were included, and the incidence of exposure keratopathy in ICU patients was 30.0%. Incomplete eyelid closure, conjunctival edema, convexity of the eye, mechanical ventilation, and the GCS score <9 were the risk factors for exposure keratopathy in ICU patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of exposure keratopathy in ICU patients is relatively high, and the clinical medical staff should conduct targeted intervention early according to the above risk factors to reduce its incidence.

Key words: ICU; exposure keratopathy; incidence; risk factors; Meta-analysis