Chemical preparation of the eye in ophthalmic surgery. IV. Comparison of povidone-iodine on the conjunctiva with a prophylactic antibiotic
S. J. Isenberg, L. Apt, R. Yoshimori and S. Khwarg
We previously found that half-strength (5%) povidone-iodine solution
significantly reduced the bacterial flora of the conjunctiva. To compare
the antibacterial effect of a topical combination antibiotic (Neosporin
ophthalmic solution) given three times daily for three days preoperatively
with that of half-strength povidone-iodine solution given as part of the
preoperative preparation, conjunctival cultures were studied from 35
patients undergoing ocular surgery. When used individually, the antibiotic
and povidone-iodine solutions caused a similar and substantial decrease in
the number of colonies and species of bacteria cultured. When both drugs
were used together, the decrease was even more striking, making 83% of the
conjunctivae sterile. To minimize bacterial flora before ocular surgery, we
recommend that a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic be given for three days
preoperatively and that half-strength povidone-iodine solution be used as
part of the preoperative preparation.
