Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: June 12, 2012
Microbial cultures of the microkeratome blade immediately after flap construction in laser in situ keratomileusis
Ahsan M Khan1, Bruce Larson, James Noth
1Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Purpose:
To assess the incidence of positive cultures from samples of the microkeratome blade after routine laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures as a measure of the risk for postoperative infectious keratitis.
Setting:
Hinsdale Surgical Center, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.
Methods:
In this prospective study, 99 microkeratome blades (Hansatome) were cultured after routine LASIK procedures by multiple surgeons at an ambulatory surgery center. Cultures were sent for routine aerobic and anaerobic growth. Positive cultures were then sent for routine sensitivities.
Results:
Five of 99 swabs of microkeratome blades were culture positive. Four cultures grew Staphylococcus epidermidis and 1, Staphylococcus warneri. Two of the staphylococcal cultures were resistant to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin but sensitive to moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin.
Conclusions:
The study demonstrated a 5% positive culture rate from the microkeratome blade after routine LASIK surgery by multiple surgeons in an ambulatory surgery center. No patient with positive cultures developed postoperative infectious keratitis. Factors other than the presence of bacteria contribute to the development of clinical infection.
Insights
A 5% bacterial contamination rate was found on microkeratome blades after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. However, no patients developed infectious keratitis, suggesting other factors influence infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Safety
Background:
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Postoperative infectious keratitis is a rare but serious complication.
- Assessing microbial contamination of surgical instruments is crucial for patient safety.
Observation:
- This prospective study cultured 99 microkeratome blades after routine LASIK procedures.
- Cultures were analyzed for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth.
- The study involved multiple surgeons at an ambulatory surgery center.
Findings:
- Five of 99 (5%) microkeratome blades yielded positive bacterial cultures.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus warneri were the identified bacteria.
- Some isolates showed antibiotic resistance, but all were sensitive to moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin.
Implications:
- The 5% positive culture rate highlights potential microbial presence on LASIK instruments.
- Absence of keratitis in positive culture cases suggests multifactorial infection development.
- Further research into preventative strategies and the role of bacterial load in LASIK infections is warranted.
