Sutures for pediatric cataract patients

EyeWorld

Ophthalmologists know cataract surgery can be challenging in children—especially in those without capsular support. What many may not know is that there could be some risk involved using 10-0 polypropylene sutures, according to research published in the December 2007 issue of Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society.
“Several recent reports have indicated that over time the 10-0 polypropylene suture can degrade, resulting in spontaneous subluxation of the intraocular lens,” wrote lead study author Edward G. Buckley, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics, Duke Eye Center, Durham, N.C. “The key point emphasized in these articles is that this happens years after implantation, typically 4 to 5 years or later.”
Much research into this issue has focused on suture breakdown in a matter of months, which typically doesn’t happen.
Hence, Dr. Buckley analyzed eyes with follow-up time of more than five years and, indeed, found a number of suture breaks. He also found other ophthalmologists revealing similar problems.
Ophthalmologists may not recognize this problem as severe at first because a suture can be reattached. But over time, sutures could break down again and again, posing unwanted risks to these patients.