Surveillance of Ocular Surface Flora (SURFACE)

Topical fluoroquinolones (FQs) have achieved widespread use in ophthalmology for both the treatment and prophylaxis of ocular infections. The present study is set to determine the bacteria present on the ocular surface in patients at the time of cataract surgery and to assess the rate of resistance of ocular isolates to commonly used topical antibiotics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Scheduled to undergo cataract surgery
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• NSAID in the eye to be swabbed within the past 30 days
• Topical anesthetic, topical antibiotic or antiseptic, or dilating drops in the eye to the swabbed within the past 7 days
• Over-the-counter artificial tear drops or astringent /redness reliever drops (e.g., Visine®, Clear eyes® in the eye to be swabbed on the day of trial
• History of conjunctivitis or any ocular infection within the past 3 months