BIOFILM ON SCLERAL EXPLANTS WITH AND WITHOUT CLINICAL INFECTION

Abstract

Biofilm was identified on explants removed because of infection or exposure and on explants removed for technical reasons at repeat surgery. This implies that bacterial contamination and biofilm formation occur without exposure of the explant, probably due to inoculation at the time of initial surgery. Biofilms may contribute to the persistence of scleral explant infections but a causative role in buckle extrusion is unproved.