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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
Which of the following is the MOST impoant factor in the prevention of the endophthalmitis due to cataract surgery?
assistant
The correct answer is  Clinical studies have proven that use of 5% povidone iodine cream to clean conjunctiva and eyelids before cataract surgery has significant benefits in reducing the rate of endophthalmitis. Therefore it should be applied to eyes before surgery to reduce the incidence of endophthalmitis. Studies have shown some efficacy of intracameral antibiotics in prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis. The addition of gentamicin and vancomycin to the irrigating fluid during phacoemulsification may result in significant reduction in the microbial contamination of anterior chamber aspirates. Ref: Modern Ophthalmology: The Highlights By Benjamin F. Boyd, page 273-4.