Preliminary in vitro evaluation of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond®) to seal corneal incisions

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Dermabond (R) with conventional nylon sutures for sealing linear corneal incisions. Methods: A keratome knife was used to create a 4-mm full-thickness linear corneal incision anterior to the limbal arcade in 20 fresh pig eyes. The incision was sealed with Dermabond (R) tissue adhesive or closed with 10-0 nylon sutures. A 27-gauge needle connected via tubing to a bottle containing balanced salt solution (BSS) was inserted into the anterior chamber. Infusion pressure was controlled by varying the height of the column of BSS. The tensile strength of the incisions was measured by increasing the infusion pressure to the point where leakage was noted. Results: The mean height at which leakage was detected was 100.20 +/- 31.19 cm H2O (equivalent to a pressure of 73.70 +/- 22.99 mm Hg) for the nylon suture group (n = 10 eyes) and 113.80 +/- 31.20 cm H2O (equivalent to a pressure of 83.71 +/- 22.95 nun Hg) for the Dermabond group (n = 10 eyes). The difference was not significant (P = 0.343). Conclusions: The mean leakage pressures were comparable for the 2 groups. Either method of closure should be able to withstand any postoperative increases in intraocular pressure. Dermabond adhesive may be considered as an alternative to conventional sutures in corneal wound closure.