META: Think sutures are outdated? In 2026, old-school techniques still have a place in modern eye surgery. Find out why sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
In a world of bladeless lasers and advanced surgical tech, it might surprise you to learn that we still use sutures in 2026. But sometimes, the old-school methods are exactly what your eyes need.
Why do we still use sutures in 2026?
While we use 100% bladeless technology for procedures like LASIK, certain complex eye surgeries still require the physical security of a suture. It provides unmatched stability during the initial healing phase. When tissue needs to be held exactly in place, a suture is often the most reliable choice.
Are sutures painful?
You might worry that a physical stitch in your eye will be painful, but modern ophthalmic sutures are microscopic. They are finer than a human hair. You’ll be given numbing drops, so you won’t feel them during the procedure, and post-operative discomfort is usually minimal and manageable.
