title: Effect of punctal occlusion by Freeman silicone plug insertion on tear osmolarity in dry eye disorders.
abstract: 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.
authors: Cornea Research Unit, Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA 02114.
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Gilbard
authors: S R
authors: SR
authors: Rossi
authors: D T
authors: DT
authors: Azar
authors: K G
authors: KG
authors: Heyda
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012395:Rose Bengal