Evaluation of an improved suture for cataract surgery.

An improved synthetic absorbable suture for ophthalmic surgery, 8-0 Dexon "S" polyglycolic acid, was evaluated in 25 cataract extractions and, in 5 cases, compared with 8-0 Vicryl polyglactin sutures. Dexon "S" sutures caused less tissue drag than Vicryl sutures; Vicryl was more easily knotted. With respect to handling, knotting, tissue drag, absorption, and postoperative complications, the improved Dexon suture was found to be well suited for use in cataract surgery.