Watching amazing intra-ocular acrobatics during a challenging cataract case is exciting and makes for a great video, but those cases are relatively rare. More than 90% of the surgeries that we perform are more routine in nature. Watching a video about proper draping of the eye seems mundane, but it is a critical step for all patients.
The most common source for the bacteria that cause endophthalmitis is the eyelid margin. Using a sterile plastic drape to completely sequester the eyelid, eye lashes, and lid margin from the surgical field helps to minimize this risk. In addition, the oily secretions will not contaminate the ocular surface and the good exposure that is provided makes the surgery easier. Take the time to make sure that the draping for all of your surgeries is excellent.
click to learn how to effectively drape the eye for cataract surgery:
Do not like touching skin with gloved hands even though prepped with betadine. I also like to put drops of diluted betadine before I prep with full strength betadine, I am obsessive! I also like to wet cornea with bss prior to inserting speculum helps to prevent an abrasion.
great points! thanks for posting that! we also use a squirt of BSS on the cornea before placing the speculum.