Absorbable sutures (Dexon and Vicryl) in the corneolimbal incision. Used in lens implantation surgery.

In 115 consecutive cataract extractions with implantation of artificial lens a clinical evaluation of absorbable sutures--polyglactin (910) (Vicryl 7-0) and polyglycolic acid (Dexon 8-0)--in corneolimbal incision has been performed. The corneolimbal wounds were closed by continuous suture technique with one double loop knot at the 12 o'clock and 5-6 loops on each side of the 12 o'clock knot. The suture had disappeared after 8 weeks in 95% of the eyes. Two months after operation the visual acuity, the power of corneal astigmatism and astigmatic orientation remained unchanged in both the Vicryl and the Dexon sutured group. This provided effectuation of early full prescription of glasses. Most complications in this material were suture independent and appeared during the early postoperative period. In only one eye inadequate wound closure was noticed. Shallow anterior chamber and hypotonia of short duration occurred in 5 eyes. Four of these patients developed corneal dystrophy. In the Vicryl sutured group suture reactions took place in 87% of the eyes. With dexon suture no such reaction appeared. The use of absorbable sutures in corneolimbal incision technique implies several surgical advantages and is seemingly safe.