Suture

Absorbability

Filament Type

Advantages

Disadvantages

5-0 Fast Gut

absorbable
(1 week)

Mono

infection less likely

more difficult to handle,

highly inflammatory

7-0 Vicryl

absorbable
(4-6 weeks)

Braided

easy to handle,
least inflammatory of absorbable sutures

infection and suture granuloma more likely

7-0 Nylon

non-absorbable

mono

least inflammatory,

requires follow-up for removal

best aesthetic outcomes,

infection less likely

Adapted from

Lee J, Carter KD. Chapter 6. Suture Materials and Needle. IN: Basic Principles of Ophthalmic Surgery, TA Oetting (Second Ed.) American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2006, 2011; pp 83-89.

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