Effect of punctal occlusion by Freeman silicone plug insertion on tear osmolarity in dry eye disorders.
We retrospectively examined the effect of punctal occlusion by Freeman silicone plug insertion on dry eye disorders in 17 patients. Patients met at least two of the following criteria: history consistent with dry eye, interpalpebral rose bengal staining, and elevated tear film osmolarity. Plug insertion significantly decreased tear film osmolarity. Rose bengal staining decreased in 75% of the eyes examined. There were no cases of postoperative epiphora. Punctal plug insertion is therapeutic for dry eye disease, but extrusion is a significant problem.
Gilbard
J P
JP
Cornea Research Unit, Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114.
Rossi
S R
SR
Azar
D T
DT
Heyda
K G
KG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012395:Rose Bengal; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013666:Tears / Q000032:analysis*
D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012395:Rose Bengal