Bacterial endophthalmitis prophylaxis for cataract surgery: an evidence-based update.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess commonly used cataract surgery bacterial endophthalmitis prophylaxis techniques based on a systematic literature review and evidence rating. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prophylactic techniques to decrease the risk of bacterial endophthalmitis related to cataract surgery are commonly used, but the evidence justifying their use is unclear. LITERATURE REVIEWED: A MEDLINE search of the literature published in English or with English abstracts from 1966 to 2000 was performed using various combinations of relevant key words. Eighty-eight peer-reviewed papers were identified and judged worthy of review on the basis of predefined criteria. RESULTS: No prophylactic technique received the h..