Ocular surface culture changes in patients after septoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Septal deviation often necessitates surgical correction via septoplasty.
• Understanding the microbiological implications of septoplasty on ocular surface is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pre- and postoperative microbiological changes in both eyes of patients undergoing septoplasty for septal deviation.

Main Methods:

• 40 patients with septal deviation underwent septoplasty.
• Conjunctival and punctal cultures were obtained from both eyes preoperatively and 48 hours postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in bacterial growth between eyes preoperatively.
• Significant differences in bacterial growth between eyes postoperatively.
• Pathogenic bacteria, including S. epidermidis and S. aureus, were frequently isolated postoperatively (47 eyes).

Conclusions:

• Septoplasty leads to significant postoperative microbiological alterations in the ocular surface.
• Despite bacterial presence, no clinical ocular infections were observed.