Sara Crespo Millas graduated in medicine and surgery from the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain, receiving a master’s degree in vitreo-retina from the University of Valladolid, Spain, and the title of specialist in ophthalmology. She is a researcher in retinal and ocular surface diseases, participating as an investigator in various clinical trials, and has presented at several recent international congresses.
Prophylaxis for eye infections is important to avoid catastrophic consequences such as infectious endophthalmitis. There are different options as prophylaxis in cataract surgery. Prophylaxis with antiseptics is more and more important in ocular surgery and possesses several advantages compared to antibiotic prophylaxis. Povidone-iodine (PVI) 5% in the conjunctival sac and PVI 10% on periocular skin for 3 minutes is recommended prior to any cataract surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis. Intracameral cefuroxime (1 mg/0.1 ml) at the end of the surgery is also useful in reducing the risk of infectious endophthalmitis. Nevertheless, there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of topical antibiotics in the postoperative period.
Part of the book: Cataract