Effectiveness of a new commercial ocular spray containing Biosecur in reducing conjunctival microbial flora as surgical prophylaxis in patients undergoing cataract surgery

This study is aimed to evaluate the antiseptic activity of a new ophthalmic spray containing Biosecur citrus extract as a preoperative prophylactic treatment in patients undergoing cataract intervention. A prospective, multicenter study was conducted. Patients applied Oftasecur spray on the eye scheduled for surgery, three times daily for 3 days before surgery. Conjunctival swabs were performed before and after the treatment. Qualitative and quantitative microbiological analyses were assessed. Hundred and forty-seven patients (M: F = 76:71; mean age 70.74 ± 9.41 years) were enrolled. 58.5% of patients presented detectable microbial loads in the eye to be operated, before treatment. Most predominant bacterial species were: Staphylococcus epidermidis, coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Patients were divided into three subgroups, according to the microbial loads measured at baseline: lower than 10 CFU/ml (41.7%), between 10 and 100 CFU/ml (31.7%), equal or greater than 100 CFU/ml (26.6%). A twofold reduction in positive patients who received Oftasecur: 44 eyes (51.2%) resulted in negative after ocular treatment. A significant reduction in bacterial loads was observed (p < 0.001). No ocular adverse reactions were recorded. Oftasecur spray effectively reduced conjunctival bacterial burden. It may represent a proper and safe antiseptic adjuvant treatment in patients undergoing cataract surgery.