Corneal endothelial changes from exposure to povidone iodine solution

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Surgical Antiseptics

Background:

• Povidone iodine (PI) is a widely used antiseptic for preoperative ocular preparation.
• Potential exposure of the corneal endothelium to PI during intraocular surgery or corneal laceration repair is a clinical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different povidone iodine concentrations on corneal endothelial cell density.
• To evaluate the safety of povidone iodine for ocular tissues in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

• Excised porcine corneas were exposed to 1%, 2%, and 5% povidone iodine solutions for one minute.
• Balanced salt solution (BSS) served as a control.
• Specular microscopy was utilized to quantify corneal endothelial cell density before and after exposure.

Main Results:

• A concentration-dependent reduction in corneal endothelial cell density was observed with increasing PI concentrations.
• 1% PI exposure resulted in a minor decrease in cell density, while 2% and 5% PI caused more significant losses.
• Control corneas exposed to BSS showed no significant changes in endothelial cell density.

Conclusions:

• Povidone iodine exposure can lead to a graded loss of corneal endothelial cells.
• Higher concentrations of povidone iodine pose a greater risk to corneal endothelium integrity.
• These findings suggest a need for caution when using povidone iodine in proximity to the corneal endothelium.