A Japanese Survey of Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Cataract Surgery

The objective of this study was to identify trends in the use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in cataract surgery in Japan.

This was a national survey by mail or interview.

The use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in cataract surgery was evaluated by conducting a survey in 6 regions within Japan from October 1, 2011, to March 1, 2012.

Responses were received from 285 (75%) of the 387 surgeons who were surveyed. The results revealed that 89% (255/285) administered ophthalmic antibiotic ointment. Forty-seven percent (133/285) used antibiotics in forms other than ophthalmic ointments within 6 hours after surgery, 7% (19/285) used eyedrops, 24% (67/285) used antibiotics via an irrigation bottle, 1% (2/285) used intracameral injections, and 24% (69/285) used subconjunctival injections.

Although poor intraocular penetration of ophthalmic ointments has been reported, ophthalmic ointments are widely used. The fact that antibiotics should ideally be administered within 6 hours after surgery is not widely recognized. However, intracameral injection, which achieves much higher antibiotic concentration in the anterior chamber than other methods, is a technique that should be widely acknowledged.