Antibacterial effect of povidone-iodine supplementation at the conclusion of experimental cataract surgery

Purpose: To study the effect of intracamera! povidone-iodine 0.001% in reducing bacterial colonization in experimental cataract surgery. Methods: An experimental in vitro eye model using sterilized MARTY® Surgical Simulators was utilized. The chambers were inoculated with 107 log phase organisms of either Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa prior to surgery. Phacoemulsification was performed using the Storz Premiere® unit and then 0.1ml povidone-iodine 0.001% was injected into the anterior chamber. Chambers using BSS alone served as controls. Samples were aspirated immediately after the procedure and at 24 hours and inoculated onto culture media for quantitative bacteriology. A similar in vivo protocol with lower bacterial inocula was performed in rabbit eyes. Results: There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference in bacterial colonization in the 24 hours samples between eyes that received intracameral injection of povidone-iodine as compared to control eyes. Conclusions: These experimental models suggest that controlled intracameral administration of povidone-iodine 0.001% at the conclusion of cataract surgery has appreciable effect in decreasing bacterial colonization. Additional safety studies are warranted.