Material and Method: One hundred eyes from 100 patients having phacoemulsification cataract surgery by a single surgeon at Ramathibodi Hospital between October 2010 and March 2011 were included in the present study. Povidone-iodine 5% solution eye drops were used in all patients at least three minutes before the operation. Anterior chamber fluid was aspirated at the end of the procedure for culture in chocolate agar.

Results: Anterior chamber fluid cultures were positive in three eyes (Pseudomanas oryzihabitans in 1 eye, Klebsiella pneumoni in 1 eye, and yeast in 1 eye). These three patients had no exaggerated or prolonged postoperative intraocular inflammation compared to others. No patients in the present study developed endophthalmitis.

Conclusion: Povidone-iodine 5% solution eye drops before operation may control microbial contamination during phacoemulsification.

Keywords: Anterior chamber contamination, Phacoemulsification, Povidone-iodine