10-0 nylon corneal sutures can be removed as soon as 4-6 weeks after surgery, but may need to stay in longer in order to allow the corneal wounds to heal. Consider removing in stages.

If left in place, corneal sutures may cause induced astigmatism, keratitis, corneal vascularization, or conjunctivitis.¹

Sutures may need to be removed during an examination under anesthesia (EUA).

When able, the patient should be given the appropriate spectacle correction. The cycloplegic refraction can be checked at the time of EUA for suture removal.

Pediatric patients are at risk for amblyopia due to either deprivation/occlusion from media opacities such as corneal haze or traumatic cataract, and/or refractive amblyopia due to induced astigmatism. Amblyopia should be treated as soon as possible after initial surgery.²

Systemic antibiotics should be considered based on the method of injury as well as the timing of the injury. In cases of penetrating eye trauma, the incidence of endophthalmitis is 2%-30%.³ Cultures taken at the time of surgery can help target antibiotic use. Broad-spectrum antibiotics with good ocular penetration should be used prophylactically.