Posters

Efficacy of 0.6% povidone-iodine eye drops in reducing the conjunctival bacterial flora of patients undergoing cataract surgery

Poster Details

First Author: R.Mencucci ITALY

Co Author(s):    M. Cennamo   E. Favuzza                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy of low-dose Povidone-Iodine eye drops in the reduction of conjunctival bacterial flora in patients submitted to cataract surgery.

Setting:

Eye Clinic, Department of surgery and translational medicine, University of Florence, Italy

Methods:

A total of 50 eyes of 25 consecutive patients submitted to cataract surgery were enrolled. One eye was treated with Povidone-Iodine 0,6% eye drops while the other eye served as control. The treatment with Povidone-Iodine 0,6% eye drops (one drop three time per day) started three days before and ended the day of the surgery. Five minutes after the last treatment cultures were taken from inferior conjunctival sac in both eyes. Following incubation at 37�Â�°C for 48 hours, the numbers of colonies were counted and compared.

Results:

In the control eyes, no significant change in the number of bacterial colonies was found. Conversely in the Povidone-Iodine 0,6% treated eyes, the colony-forming units decreased by 91% (highly statistically significant).

Conclusions:

Povidone-Iodine 0,6% eye drops was very effective in reducing conjunctival commensal bacteria. It may be considered as an option for a quick prophylaxis and part of the pharmacological preparation for the patients undergoing to cataract surgery

Financial Disclosure:

NONE