SHORT AND LONG-TERM ADVANTAGES AND INCONVENIENCIES OF PROLENE MONOFILAMENT SUTURES IN PERFORATING KERATOPLASTIES

The authors have studied the short and long-term advantages and inconveniences of Prolene monofilament sutures employed in perforating keratoplastic surgery. Contrary to Nylon, Prolene has the advantage of no structural or tensional modifications, postoperative measurements of corneal astigmatism thus remaining more stable with the time. Accordingly, where very little or no astigmatism is noted, the slight or no change in corneal refraction with time is an obvious advantage ot the patient. However, the use of Prolene in the beginning can cause some problems with continuous suture tension, either excessive or insufficient, which can result in serious complications. With training, these difficulties can be overcome and excellent results obtained.