The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a surgical glue that can seal corneal incisions to prevent fluid leaks following cataract surgery in adults.

Corneal incisions tend to be self-sealing, but in the event of leakage, sutures have been the sole solution until now. The glue, ReSure Sealant from Bedford, Mass.-based Ocular Therapeutix, consists of 2 liquids that are mixed immediately before use and applied to the cornea with a foam-tipped applicator. The resulting gel dissipates in a week and is dispersed by tears.

While the FDA has approved surgical glues for use in other parts of the body, ReSure Sealant is the first of its kind for ophthalmic use. The company says it plans to conduct larger, post-approval trials to determine its incidence of adverse events.

David Bernard