Shakaib Anwar.
Suture removal after Extracapsular Cataract Extraction.
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak Jan ;12(9):526-29.

Objective: To determine the most appropriate time for removal of sutures as regards the stability of postsuture removal refractive status of the eye. Design: A randomized prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology Naval Hospital, Islamabad from August,1999 to February,2000. Patients and Methods: This study included 72 eyes of 69 patients who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implant through stepped corneal section. In each case the wound was closed by applying five interrupted sutures using 10/0 monofilament Nylon. Eyes with complications like pre- operative corneal scarring, pre-operative astigmatism, pterygium, corneal degenerative changes, corneal opacities, loose or too tight sutures, raised intraocular pressure and eyes with delayed wound healing as in diabetics or with ocular infection, were not included in this study. All these eyes had good postoperative recovery and astigmatic error ranged between 1.00DC (diopters cylinder) to 2.00DC. These were divided into three groups of 24 each and the sutures were removed at 6,9 and 12 weeks after operation respectively. Visual and optical outcome was studied at 1st week and 6 months after the removal of sutures. Results: It was noted that although the time of suture removal did have an effect on postoperative astigmatism but the subsequent refractive status was most stable in the eyes, which underwent suture removal at 12th postoperative week.The eyes in which there was `against the rule` postoperative astigmatism did not have a positive effect of suture removal and had an unsatisfactory final prescription. Conclusion: Suture removal at 12 weeks postoperatively results in comparatively stable refractive status of the eye and thus frequent change of glasses can be avoided.

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