Gatifloxacin and iodopovidine preoperatively of phacectomy: Influence on counting bacterial colonies

Abstract

Objective: To analyze two methods of reducing conjunctivalmicrobiota in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods: A clinical trial with a convenience sample of 57 patients diagnosed with senile cataract (57 eyes) who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in Recife from 2011 to 2013. Patients were divided into two groups: ATB (27 eyes) in which was instilled antibiotic eye drops (gatifloxacin 0.3%) and ASS (30 eyes) with antiseptic eye drops (iodopovidine 5%); both medications were instilled three times (one drop every 20 minutes, an hour prior to surgery). The groups were evaluated from two collections of conjunctival material: first before instilling some eye drops and the second one immediately after surgery. Gram stain, culture and sensitivity were performed. Results: Comparing the reduction in the number of bacteria found in the slides in the pre-and postoperative, there was no statistically significant difference in both groups. Conclusion: Both use of antiseptic or antibiotic, used as prophylaxis forendophthalmitis, can reduce the conjunctivalmicrobiota.