Povidone-iodine concentration and dosing in cataract surgery

Iodine has been recognized as an effective bactericide since the 1800s, and povidone-iodine (PI) solution has been applied to the ocular surface and periocular skin since the 1980s to prevent endophthalmitis in cataract surgery. In vitro, PI solution kills bacteria quickly at dilute concentrations (0.05%–1.0%). In many instances, PI kills bacteria more quickly at these dilute concentrations than more conventional (5%–10%) concentrations. This is due to greater availability of diatomic free iodine in dilute solution, the bactericidal component of PI. The toxicity of PI, both in vitro and clinically, has been shown to be related to concentration. Current American Academy of Ophthalmology and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons recommendations regarding PI use suggest using 5% PI before surgery. An alternative dosing strategy uses dilute PI repetitively throughout cataract surgery (0.25% every 30 seconds). We review the povidone-iodine literature with attention to basic science and use of dilute PI.