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Ocular Surface Microbial Flora and Photorefractive Keratectomy.
Alireza Peyman1, Mehdi Bazukar1, Tahmineh Narimani2
1Isfahan Eye Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 6, 2022
Summary
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) does not significantly alter ocular surface microbial flora. Postoperative conjunctival samples showed similar microorganism profiles to preoperative samples, indicating PRK
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- The ocular surface harbors a dynamic microbial flora.
- Understanding microbial shifts after refractive surgery is crucial for patient safety and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on the microbial composition of the ocular surface.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 35 patients undergoing PRK.
- Conjunctival samples collected preoperatively and within three months post-PRK.
- Microbial analysis using blood agar, chocolate agar, and eosin methylene blue agar.
Main Results:
- Preoperative culture-positive rate was 42.9%, increasing slightly to 48.6% postoperatively (P=0.47).
- Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) was the predominant microorganism both preoperatively (40%) and postoperatively (42.9%).
- No significant changes in the types or prevalence of isolated microorganisms were observed.
Conclusions:
- Photorefractive keratectomy does not lead to substantial alterations in the ocular surface microbial flora within three months.
- The microbial profile of the conjunctiva remains largely unchanged after PRK surgery.
