Ophthalmology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Outpatient topical use of povidone-iodine in preparing the eye for surgery.
Povidone-iodine 5% solution placed on the eye immediately before ophthalmic surgery within the preoperative preparation significantly reduces the conjunctival bacterial flora. In 40 patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery, the authors compared the outpatient use of povidone-iodine for 3 days before surgery with a 3-day course of a combination antibiotic ophthalmic solution (Neosporin) placed on the other eye. ⋯ Cultures taken after preparation but before commencement of surgery showed a further reduction for both regimens, but more for eyes previously treated with the antibiotic (P less than 0.02). To minimize the conjunctival bacterial flora before surgery, the authors continue to recommend instillation of a broad-spectrum antibiotic for 3 days before surgery, followed by application of povidone-iodine solution to the eye immediately before surgery within the preoperative preparation.