Prevention of operative infection in ophthalmic surgery

• Main Authors: Uday R Gajiwala, Rajesh U Patel, Rohan A Chariwala
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology and Research
• Subjects: Environment; infection; no touch technique; patient factors; prevention; sterilization
• Online Access: http://www.jcor.in/article.asp?issn=2320-3897;year=2016;volume=4;issue=2;spage=107;epage=115;aulast=Gajiwala

Prevention of infection in ocular surgery is based on the science of asepsis and antisepsis not only depends on what we do pre-, intra-, and post-operatively but also depends on how we prepare our patient and personnel. Practicing no touch technique is extremely important in preventing sporadic infections, whereas breach in sterility many times is the cause of cluster infection - whether it is the presterile product purchased from the market, or items sterilized in the operation theater (OT) protocols (such as standard operating practices) play a key role in ensuring all these. There are several guidelines available to guide us. Many activities are done in the absence of the surgeon inside the OT such as cleaning and sterilization by our staff. Their understanding of the science of asepsis and antisepsis pertaining to the tasks performed by them is very important. All these needs to be monitored and continuous medical education need to be organized for our staff also. Written protocols help in achieving this. Everybody should be aware of the protocol and this should be strictly followed. No compromise at any cost should be accepted inside the OT.