From the American Academy of Ophthalmology

This randomized, controlled, double-masked trial evaluated two preop sterilization techniques: In one group (153 eyes), the lid margin was compressed and scrubbed for 360 degrees five times with a dry sterile cotton-tipped applicator immediately after ocular sterilization and before povidone–iodine irrigation of the conjunctival sac. The second group (153 eyes) had identical sterilization but no lid scrubbing. The rate of positive bacterial culture in liquid in the collecting bag was significantly higher with mechanical compression of the lid margin (P=.001), perhaps due to secretions from the lid margin glands. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, August 2014