Tissue adhesives in corneal cataract incisions

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Corneal incisions are common in cataract surgery.
• Sutures have traditionally been used for wound closure.
• Tissue adhesives present an alternative to sutures for corneal wound closure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of peer-reviewed literature on tissue adhesives for corneal incisions in cataract surgery.
• To examine complications, safety, and efficacy of current and investigational tissue adhesives.
• To review the link between clear corneal incisions and postoperative endophthalmitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of peer-reviewed publications.
• Analysis of safety profiles and efficacy of tissue adhesives.
• Evaluation of complications associated with corneal wound closure methods.

Main Results:

• Cyanoacrylate and fibrin glues are widely used for sealing corneal incisions due to their safety and effectiveness.
• Limitations of cyanoacrylate include foreign-body sensation, inflammation, and conjunctival hyperemia.
• Fibrin glues present challenges such as prolonged preparation, higher cost, and theoretical viral transmission risk.

Conclusions:

• Currently available tissue adhesives provide an alternative to sutures for ophthalmic wound closure.
• Novel biomaterials are under investigation for sealing corneal and cataract incisions.
• Future research aims to develop optimal ophthalmic materials for improved wound healing and biocompatibility.