Idea Exchange: Prevent sutures from irritating eyes

When suturing after a wedge resection from an eyelid margin, it can be challenging to keep the suture ends from irritating the eye. I avoid this by placing a simple interrupted suture first and leaving the ends long. When tying the second suture, I incorporate the ends of the first suture into the knot of the second. That keeps the suture ends directed away from the eye. The second suture end can be held by the third suture if necessary.

Dr. Rodney L. Hess

Greencastle, Pa.