Purpose: the aim of the present study is to analyse the composition of the currently available topical antiseptic products and the related scientific evidence, and to discuss the implications of their use in the prevention of endophthtalmitis.
Methods: products available on the market until February 2024 were considered. Information provided on the illustration leaflet of each product were analysed. Literature search was made on the effectiveness of these new products, focusing on those available in Italy. Articles indexed in Pubmed until June 2024 were included in the present study.
Results: labelling of these products represents an issue, since most of them are presented as eye lubricants and a clear labeling of their indication as perioperative prophylaxis is needed. While promising in vitro studies have been performed, in vivo evidence is still lacking.
Conclusions: products with antiseptic activity may be promising to address the issue of endophthalmitis prevention. However, more evidence on the subject is needed.
Keywords: Endophthalmitis prophylaxis; antibiotic; antiseptic; biosecur; chlorhexidine; ethylenediaminetretraacetic acid; hexamidine diisetionate; lactoferrin; ozonated oil; polyhexamethylenebiguanide; polyquaternium; povidone iodine.