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IN CATARACT extraction, placement of the corneoscleral sutures can be hastened and facilitated by slightly modifying the instrument ordinarily employed. Frequently the Burch pick is used; this ophthalmostat is provided with two fine and sharp points, as well as with stops near the tips, to prevent excessive penetration of episcleral tissue.
The essential features of this instrument can be easily adapted to a forceps designed for corneoscleral suturing. The jaws of these forceps measure 6.5 mm.; and into the distal third of the left blade are fused two needle-sharp, slightly inward curved teeth, measuring somewhat less than 1 mm. in length. The inner surfaces of the cross arms are corrugated in a crisscross pattern, as is usual in needle holders. Thus, the point of the needle carrying the scleral suture can be grasped firmly when it emerges from the sclera (fig. 1).
For scleral sutures, the instrument is placed on