Cataract Surgery Stitches — and How They Misshape the Cornea

Cataract surgery is usually “stitch-free” these days. The incision is tiny and seals itself. But when complications happen, stitches are sometimes used to close the wound. My second surgery in August left me with three stitches holding the eye together.

Why stitches matter

Stitches (or sutures) keep the cornea closed while it heals. Without them, the wound could leak fluid or even open. They’re vital for sealing things up — but they come with their own problems.

How they affect vision

Stitches don’t just hold tissue together. They also pull on the cornea, and the cornea is what bends light into the eye. When the stitches tug unevenly, the cornea can become misshapen. This changes the way light focuses, creating astigmatism — where vision looks blurred, stretched, or distorted.

In simple terms: the stitches do their job, but they bend the window you’re trying to see through.

Living with it

With stitches still in, my vision is unpredictable. Straight lines don’t line up, letters don’t behave, and the world has a skewed edge to it. The plan is that stitches may be removed later, once the cornea has healed enough. But for now, they’re part of the reason recovery is dragging out so much longer than anyone expects from a “routine” cataract op.

Closing thought

Three stitches may not sound like much, but in the eye they make all the difference. They’re the hidden complication — sealing the wound while at the same time reshaping the cornea. Another reminder that my “10-minute surgery” turned into anything but routine.

Further detail

I have written about each complication in more depth here:

• When a 10-Minute Cataract Surgery Becomes 40 — and Leaves a Phaco Burn

• Cornea Folds — The Other Gift From My Cataract Surgery

• Cataract Surgery Stitches — and How They Misshape the Cornea

Support Raymond During Cataract Recovery

Raymond is a local Big Issue vendor recovering from cataract surgery with complications. While he heals he cannot sell on the streets and needs help to cover rent and appointments.

Every bit helps — donations keep Raymond housed and able to attend vital follow-up appointments. Thank you for your support. 🙏