The use of a cautery for trimming exposed nylon sutures

Ophthalmic nylon sutures (9-0 or 10-0) that become exposed postoperatively are irritating to the patient, especially if the knots are not buried, or if the sutures are not well covered by (or protrude through) the conjunctiva. Obviously, these sutures cannot be removed safely less than six to eight weeks after surgery. The symptoms may even be aggravated by trimming the suture ends, as these become more stiff and pointed when shortened. Moreover, trimming sutures can be a difficult task in some uncooperative patients.