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Is the sutureless cataract incision a valve for bacterial inoculation?
J W Turkalj1, A N Carlson, J P Manos
1Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2236, USA.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Sutureless cataract surgery wounds showed no increased risk of bacterial infection compared to sutured wounds. Properly constructed sutureless incisions resist microbial entry equally, ensuring eye safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Sutureless cataract surgery is favored for reduced operating time, astigmatism, and faster healing.
- Concerns exist regarding potential increased infection risk, specifically endophthalmitis, with sutureless wound closure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether sutureless cataract surgery wounds are more susceptible to microbial inoculation than sutured wounds.
- To determine if sutureless wounds provide a significant route for bacterial entry into the eye.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study using 28 postmortem human eyes, divided into paired sutured and unsutured groups.
- Eyes were incubated in a Staphylococcus epidermidis suspension for varying durations (90-270 minutes).
- Aqueous humor aspirates were cultured to quantify bacterial presence.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in bacterial colony counts was found between sutured and unsutured eyes at any time interval.
- Both wound types demonstrated equal resistance to bacterial ingrowth under simulated physiological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Properly constructed sutureless cataract surgery wounds do not appear to be a significant pathway for bacterial inoculation.
- Sutured and unsutured wounds exhibit comparable resistance to microbial entry into the eye.
