Results of sutureless wound construction in children undergoing cataract extraction.

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of self-sealing (sutureless) wound construction for cataract surgery in children. Self-sealing wounds were constructed during cataract surgery in 25 eyes of 24 children between 7 and 16 years of age. Absence of wound leak at the conclusion of surgery was taken as indicating a secure wound. Watertight wounds were achieved in 19 eyes, 11 of those in children older than 11. Six eyes demonstrated wound leak, and sutures had to be applied to achieve a secure wound. All wound leaks occurred in children younger than 11. Patients younger than 11 who underwent primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy had a significantly higher incidence of wound leak after sutureless cataract surgery (P < .001). We conclude that the self-sealing wound probably should not be used for cataract surgery in children younger than 11.