Animal experiments on an absorbable synthetic thread made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) in corneal surgery.

Monofilaments of the absorbable synthetic thread Dexon made from PGA have properties similar to nylon 10-0. Experiments with intra-lamellar implantation of the monofilament in rabbit corneas showed the same good material tolerance as nylon 10-0. Perforating corneal wounds were closed with interrupted and running sutures from PGA monofilaments, respectively. One week post-operatively, increased intraocular pressure caused a wound rupture but not a thread rupture. Two weeks post-operatively an increased intraocular pressure of more than 300 mm Hg could no longer rupture the wound. Slit lamp and histological examinations revealed symptoms of absorption after the second week. According to our findings, PGA monofilaments may be suitable for corneal surgery in patients.