Purpose: 1) To evaluate the microbacterial flora of the conjunctival sac and the sensitivity of the isolated microorganisms to 0.3% gentamicin solution and 5.0% PVP-Jodi solution, which is used to disinfect conjunctival sac. 2) To evaluate the role of the adhesive foil in prevention of the infection of the operative field.
Material and methods: 170 patients with senile cataract were examined. Before admission to Ophthalmology Department each patient received 0.3% gentamicin solution three times a day. All patients had their conjunctival sac disinfected with the use of 5% PVP-Jodi before surgery. Patients were divided into two groups. In the first group (120 patients), first samples were taken on admission to the Ophthalmology Department. Next in the day of the procedure, in the operation room--first before and second after disinfection of conjunctival sac. Adhesive foil was not used in this group. In the second group (50 patients), we used adhesive foil before surgery and samples were taken before and after disinfection of conjunctival sac.
Results: On admission, positive cultures were obtained in 40.0% cases. Most of the bacterial flora were Gram-positive bacteria. The number of the positive cultures before disinfection with 5.0% PVP-Jodi solution diminished to 5.8%, compared with positive results obtained on admission to the Ophthalmology Department. Secondary infection of the conjunctival sac has been revealed in 10% after disinfection with the use of the 5.0% PVP Jodi. It was due to bacterial flora coming from the skin and limbs of the lids (in the group without adhesive foil), whereas positive samples were obtained in 2.0% in the group where adhesive foil was used.
Conclusions: 1) Gentamicin significantly reduces the amount of bacterial flora in conjunctival sac in patients before cataract surgery. 2) Adhesive foil is efficient to protect operative field from infection.