Long-term Degradation of Polyester (Mersilene) and Nylon Sutures in Corneal Wounds

OBJECTIVE: To compare the degradation properties of nylon and polyester (Mersilene) sutures using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STUDY DESIGN: Sutures which were removed on clinical grounds for the correction of astigmatism at 6 and 12 months postoperatively following routine extracapsular cataract extraction were studied under SEM. RESULTS: Progressive disintegration of nylon sutures over the study period. Mersilene appeared to maintain its structural integrity. CONCLUSIONS: SEM confirms clinical studies that Mersilene sutures remain intact and so are less likely to cause late complications when left in situ.