Phytother Res, 2012 Apr;26(4):613-6
Endophthalmitis following eye surgery remains a rare but
serious complication. Topical fluoroquinolones have been used as prophylactic
agents against endophthalmitis. However, the emerging resistance of ocular
pathogens to fluoroquinolones may preclude their routine use.
Honey, a natural antimicrobial product with wound healing
properties, is a promising candidate for the prophylaxis of endophthalmitis.
The goal of this study was to determine whether 25% (w/v) honey solution is
effective in eradicating bacterial ocular pathogens in the perioperative period
in patients scheduled for cataract surgery or vitrectomy, and to compare its
efficacy to 0.3% ofloxacin.
In this pilot study, 101 patients were randomized to honey
(n = 49) or ofloxacin (n = 52) treatment. In both groups, eye drops were
administered five times a day for 7 days before and 5 days after surgery.
Before administration of the antibacterial agents, 18 and 25 isolates were
detected in the ofloxacin and honey group, respectively.
After 7 days of administration, four isolates
(coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) were detected in each therapeutic group. No
significant difference in antibacterial effect was found between groups. These
results indicate that honey may act as a prophylactic agent of endophthalmitis;
however, further studies are needed to characterize its ocular penetration
properties.