Full-Cycle Steam Sterilization in Ophthalmic Surgery-The Effect of Wrapping Instruments

In a dedicated, high-volume eye facility, the incidence of presumed postoperative infection associated with unwrapped and wrapped full-cycle steam sterilization were shown to be identical within statistical error. This provides strong evidence that if eye surgical facilities carefully clean surgical instruments and follow the industry and manufacturer guidelines, they can, with confidence, use either of these 2 methods of sterilization. This study presents the first concrete data that corroborate the current position of The Joint Commission, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).