Intraocular gentamicin sulfate and postcataract anterior chamber aspirate cultures

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Surgical Infection Prevention

Background:

• Cataract surgery can lead to intraocular bacterial contamination.
• Preventing post-operative endophthalmitis is crucial for maintaining visual outcomes.
• The efficacy of intraocular antibiotics in irrigation fluid is an area of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of gentamicin in balanced salt solution irrigation in reducing intraocular bacterial load after cataract surgery.
• To assess the safety and tolerability of intraocular gentamicin during the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Anterior chamber aspirates were cultured from 28 patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery.
• Fourteen patients received 80 micrograms/ml gentamicin; 14 received 8 micrograms/ml gentamicin in irrigation fluid.
• Cultures were performed on nonselective media, and clinical signs of ocular toxicity were monitored.

Main Results:

• No bacterial growth was observed in anterior chamber fluid cultures from any of the 28 patients.
• No clinical evidence of ocular toxicity was noted in any patient.
• The intraocular antibiotic irrigation effectively reduced or eliminated expected bacterial presence.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic-loaded intraocular irrigation fluid is effective in minimizing bacterial contamination during cataract surgery.
• Gentamicin at the tested concentrations appears safe for intraocular use during cataract extraction.
• This method offers a promising strategy for reducing the risk of post-operative endophthalmitis.