Bacteriology of the healthy conjunctiva

Abstract

(1) The bacterial flora has changed in the last 50 years with a decrease in the frequency of isolation of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. This is probably due, in part, to the use of antibiotics. (2) Because Gram-negative bacilli are found in the eye with increased frequency, prophylactic pre-operative drops should contain an antibiotic active against these organisms, for example streptomycin or polymyxin.