Which agent is commonly used for patient skin prep of the eye?

Which agent is commonly used for patient skin prep of the eye?

• A. Triclosan
• B. Povidone-iodine
• C. Chlorhexidine
• D. Hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (A)

Choosing a safe, effective antiseptic for periocular skin prep hinges on using an agent that is broad-spectrum and well tolerated by eye tissues. Povidone-iodine fits this role well. When applied to the eyelids and surrounding skin, it rapidly reduces surface flora, including bacteria that could contribute to endophthalmitis, and has a proven track record of lowering postoperative infection rates in ocular surgery. The usual approach is applying a dilute povidone-iodine solution to the periocular area with a contact time of about two minutes, then removing the excess to minimize any irritation and protecting the cornea from direct exposure to avoid chemical keratitis. If stinging occurs, it can often be managed by ensuring proper dilution and gentle irrigation, but the standard practice remains povidone-iodine due to its efficacy and safety profile. Other agents are less suitable for periocular prep: triclosan is not the standard ocular antiseptic, chlorhexidine carries a higher risk of irritation and potential ocular toxicity if it enters the eye, and hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to corneal tissues and is not used near the eye.

Choosing a safe, effective antiseptic for periocular skin prep hinges on using an agent that is broad-spectrum and well tolerated by eye tissues. Povidone-iodine fits this role well. When applied to the eyelids and surrounding skin, it rapidly reduces surface flora, including bacteria that could contribute to endophthalmitis, and has a proven track record of lowering postoperative infection rates in ocular surgery. The usual approach is applying a dilute povidone-iodine solution to the periocular area with a contact time of about two minutes, then removing the excess to minimize any irritation and protecting the cornea from direct exposure to avoid chemical keratitis. If stinging occurs, it can often be managed by ensuring proper dilution and gentle irrigation, but the standard practice remains povidone-iodine due to its efficacy and safety profile. Other agents are less suitable for periocular prep: triclosan is not the standard ocular antiseptic, chlorhexidine carries a higher risk of irritation and potential ocular toxicity if it enters the eye, and hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to corneal tissues and is not used near the eye.