effect of intraocular povidone-iodine solution in prevention of bacterial endophthalmitis in a rabbit model

in order to determine the effects of intraocular 0.05% povidone-iodine preparation in the prevention of bacterial endophthalmitis in a rabbit model, 28 albino rabbits were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups. a concentration of 5x 108 organisms (0.03 ml) in logarithmic growth phase of s. epidermidis, s. aureus, proteus mirabilis and pseudomonas aeruginosa, were injected separately in the anterior chamber of right and left eyes of each group. then 0.03 ml of 0.05% povidone-iodine solution was injected in the left eyes. eye examinations were performed with a slit-lamp daily for two weeks following injection. from 28 eyes injected with bacteria and povidone-iodine, 20 cases did not develop endophthalrnitis, one developed mild, one developed moderate, and 6 developed severe endophthalmitis. in comparison, from 28 eyes injected with bacteria and balanced salt solution, 9 cases developed mild, 10 developed moderate and 9 developed severe endophthalmitis (p<0.00 1) . povidone-iodine solution is therefore effective in prevention of bacterial endophthalmitis, although its efficacy has a direct relationship to the bacteria type and species.