Efficiency of Plugs in Dry Eye Syndrome

Thumm Dietmar W., private practice, Lucerne

Background:

Since years there are different plugs for punctum occlusion on the market. The aim was to know, if they are really useful. Patients and Methods: 50 patients with dry eye syndrome were testet with most of the tests available for diagnosis of KCS (BUT, Schirmer, LIPCOF, Fluorescein- and Lyssamin-green staining, tear film menicus, ev. nasal stimulation and cristallisation test).

Exclusion criteria was other eye disease, that needed further local treatment.

Then a plug was inserted in the right eye.

Comparison of both eyes at 1 week, 1 month, 2 month and 6 month.

Design:

Prospektive randomised clinical study. Results: 4% did not support a plug, around 12% loosed it despite the gauging prior to insertion. In most cases additional therapy with drops or gel was necessary, but almost one supplementary drug was spared.

Often the other eye also needed less treatment. Success depended on the ethiology of the KCS. Results are shown explicitely and with examples.

Conclusions:

Plugs for punctum occlusion may be very useful in dry eye treatment as additional measure. Effect depends on underlying defect. One plug in right eye also helped a little bit in left eye.

Financial interests:

none