The purpose of our study was to compare the incidence of intrabulbar infections following cataract extraction and its correlation with the results of preoperative bacterial cultures. We examined 2344 patients who were operated on from 1st January 1993 to 31st December 1994 in our hospital. Patients were divided into 3 groups. In the first group surgery, was performed only in cases where preoperative cultures were negative, in the second group conjunctival cultures were prepared just before surgery. In the third group no preoperative cultures were prepared. Additionally in the second and the third group one drop of 5% Betadine solution was administered to the conjunctival sack just before surgery. We conclude that negative preoperative conjunctival cultures did not prevent from postoperative infections of the eye. After resigning of preoperative bacterial cultures the incidence of intrabulbar infections following cataract surgery did not increase in our study.