Punctal plug

A punctal plug (or punctual plug) is a small medical device that is inserted into the tear duct (puncta) of an eye to block the duct. This prevents the drainage of liquid from the eye. They are used to treat dry eye.

A temporary punctal occlusion can be inserted and tried first.cite web
url = http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic695.htm
title = Keratoconjunctivitis, Sicca
accessdate = 2006-11-12
date = 2006-04-21
work = eMedicine
publisher = WebMD, Inc.] These are made of collagen and are dissolvable.cite web
url = http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/305_eye.html
title = Dealing with Dry Eye
accessdate = 2006-11-16
author = Michelle Meadows
last = Meadows
first = Michelle
year = 2005
month = May-June
work = [http://www.fda.gov/fdac/ FDA Consumer Magazine]
publisher = U.S. Food and Drug Administration] This is to ascertain that permanent ones will not cause excessive tearing.

Permanent punctal plugs are usually made of silicone. Some plugs are made of thermally reactive material. Some of these are inserted into the punctum as a liquid and then they harden and conform to the individual's drainage system. Others start out rigid and become soft and flexible, adapting to the individual's punctal size after they are inserted.

Artificial tears are usually still required after punctal plug insertion.

Risks

The risks of punctal plugs are fairly minimal. There is a risk of eye irritation, excessive tearing, and, in rare cases, infection.

References

External links

* [http://www.mayoclinic.com/popupnowrap.cfm?objectid=B468C74D-E7FF-0DBD-142773F9C5490295&method=display_full Image] demonstrating use
* [http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070619/LIVING01/706190308/-1/LOCAL17 Punctal plugs] in refractive eye surgery
* [http://www.revoptom.com/archive/issue/ro04f6.htm Pros and cons] of punctal plugs
* [http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/plugs.html Punctal plugs] and Intracanalicular plugs