Long-term results of a suture burial technique

PURPOSE. To report the long-term ( minimum 24 months of follow-up) results of a scleral suture fixation technique. METHODS. Surgical databases from one surgeon were reviewed for consecutive cases from March 2003 to August 2005 in which the scleral suture fixation technique was used and a minimum follow-up of 24 months was completed. In this study, by knotting the suture onto itself, the author has buried the end and the knot of the suture into the sclera for scleral fixation, to stay put within the sclera. Intraoperative technical complications, postoperative visual outcomes, intraocular pressures, and suture-related complications were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS. A total of 150 scleral-sutured free suture ends were evaluated after a minimum 24 months of follow-up in 75 eyes of 75 patients. No technical or suture-related complications (suture exposure, irritation, granulomas, giant papillary conjunctivitis, suture abscess) were recorded throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS. Long-term follow-up of the suture burial technique - which allows avoidance of scleral incision, flap, or tunnel formation, as well as patch grafts for scleral fixation of intraocular lenses - showed it to be safe and effective.