An evaluation of ultrastrong polyethylene fiber as an ophthalmic suture.

An ultrastrong polyethylene fiber was evaluated as an ophthalmic suture. Properties of this fiber and of nylon, polypropylene, and polyester sutures were measured by standard techniques for fiber testing and for testing knot characteristics of sutures. Their behavior in cataract and keratoplasty surgery was assessed qualitatively. The ultrastrong polyethylene fiber has great tensile strength, high flexibility, and is very inelastic. Its strength and knot security provide safe incision closure and it has good biocompatibility. Ultrastrong polyethylene fiber is potentially superior to nylon, polypropylene, and polyester in the most important characteristics of a non-absorbable monofilament polymer ophthalmic microsuture.