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‘Eye glue’ may replace stitching

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DURHAM, N.C. — Corneal wounds may be closed with a new liquid glue in lieu of stitches, researchers here said.

The laser-activated liquid biodendrimers are an offshoot of polymers designed for use in medical procedures, they added. Terry Kim, MD, and colleagues here with Duke University Eye Center said the glue has been used successfully on donor eyes, and animal studies will be initiated shortly.

“We believe these new adhesives can replace or supplement the use of conventional sutures in the repair of various corneal wounds,” Dr. Kim said during a symposium sponsored by Research to Prevent Blindness of New York.

In the donor eye studies, Dr. Kim spread the adhesive over the wound and then activated an argon laser to harden the glue. Because the glue is biodegradable, the body eventually absorbs it, he said. Potential uses for the adhesive include corneal wound repair, closing surgical cuts and advanced healing for procedures such as LASIK, he said.