Our Summary

Povidone-iodine (PVI) is a widely used antiseptic in eye surgery, but it can cause severe problems in patients with iodine allergies. This study looked at alternatives to PVI for eye surgery. Chlorhexidine, commonly used in Sweden, has proven to be effective and safe. In Australia, the use of chlorhexidine showed similar rates of eye inflammation compared to PVI. Information on other disinfectants like picloxydine, hypochlorous acid, and polyhexanide is limited. Some studies showed that patients experienced less discomfort with chlorhexidine or hypochlorous acid compared to PVI. The study found no reason to switch from PVI to other antiseptics. However, further research is needed to determine the usefulness of other disinfectants besides PVI or chlorhexidine in eye surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the commonly used antiseptic in eye surgery and what are its potential problems?
  2. What are some alternatives to Povidone-iodine (PVI) in ocular surgery and how effective are they?
  3. Is there a need to switch from PVI to other antiseptics according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to inform your doctor about any allergies you have, especially to iodine, before undergoing ocular surgery. This will help your doctor choose the most appropriate antiseptic to use during the procedure to prevent any potential allergic reactions.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, corneal diseases, and refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These patients may experience visual impairment or discomfort that can be improved through surgical intervention. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients with eye injuries or trauma, or for cosmetic reasons such as eyelid surgery or eyelash enhancements. Additionally, patients with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases may require ocular surgery to prevent or treat complications affecting the eyes.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery, a patient typically undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to determine the need for surgery and assess the health of the eye. They may also meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Pre-operative testing may be done to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

On the day of surgery, the patient arrives at the surgical facility and is prepped for the procedure. This may include administering eye drops to dilate the pupil, anesthesia to numb the eye, and cleaning the eye with an antiseptic solution such as Povidone-iodine (PVI).

After the surgery, the patient is monitored for a period of time to ensure there are no complications. They may experience some discomfort, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light immediately following the procedure. The surgeon will provide post-operative instructions, including the use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and aid in healing.

In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure the eye is healing properly. Vision may continue to improve over time as the eye heals.

Overall, the patient’s experience before and after ocular surgery involves thorough preparation, skilled surgical techniques, and careful post-operative care to achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the potential risks and benefits of using Povidone-iodine (PVI) in my eye surgery?

  2. Do I have any allergies that could be affected by PVI or other antiseptics used in eye surgery?

  3. Are there alternative antiseptics to PVI that could be used in my surgery?

  4. What are the potential side effects of using chlorhexidine or other disinfectants in eye surgery?

  5. How do the rates of eye inflammation compare between PVI and chlorhexidine?

  6. Have there been any studies on the effectiveness and safety of other disinfectants like picloxydine, hypochlorous acid, and polyhexanide in eye surgery?

  7. How do patients typically experience less discomfort with chlorhexidine or hypochlorous acid compared to PVI?

  8. Is there a reason to switch from PVI to other antiseptics based on current research?

  9. What further research is needed to determine the usefulness of other disinfectants besides PVI or chlorhexidine in eye surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kanclerz P, Myers WG. Journal: J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Mar 1;48(3):363-369. doi: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000754. PMID: 34538779