ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To observe and compare the effects of conjunctival sac rinse of povidone iodine solution with sodium chloride solution.METHODS Eighty patients with senile cataract were randomly divided into 2 groups(group A and group B).Swab samples were taken for bacterial cultures from each patients of both groups before and 24 hours after application of 0.3% ofloxacin eye drops.Povidone iodine solution was used to rinse the conjunctival sac before cataract surgery in group A while 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used in group B,and swab samples were also taken for bacterial cultures.RESULTS Positive rates of the bacterial cultures before and after topical ofloxacin application were 58.8% and 27.5%,respectively.Positive rates of the bacterial cultures after conjunctival sac rinse with povidone iodine and sodium chloride were 5.0% and 20.0%,respectively.CONCLUSIONS Conjunctival sac rinse with povidone iodine solution should be taken as a routine procedure before intraocular surgery to decrease the risk of postoperative infections.