[Differences in the pathogen spectrum of the conjunctival sac before and after irrigation of the lacrimal apparatus].

The microbial flora in the conjunctival sac of 30 patients was investigated. Qualitative and quantitative differences before and after irrigation of the lacrimal system were found. In some cases a quantitative increase was registered. In 12 cases conjunctival samples before and after irrigation changed. Negative results before and bacterial growth of coagulase-negative staphylococci after irrigation were found in 4 cases. In 3 cases unfavourable changes were seen. Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated after irrigation in these cases. In the other cases differences were insignificant. The sense of preoperative irrigation of the lacrimal system is discussed and questioned.