[Favourable effect of lacrimal plugs after 3 and 9 months in 20 patients with severe sicca syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the results of the insertion of lacrimal plugs in patients with severe symptoms of dry eyes.


METHODS
Prospective descriptive study.


METHODS
20 patients who had severe symptoms of dry eyes despite topical therapy were included. The diagnoses were: 'primary Sjögren's syndrome' (n = 10), 'probably a primary Sjögren's syndrome' (n = 5) and 'secondary Sjögren's syndrome' (n = 5). Following a favourable subjective reaction to resorbable plugs, a non-resorbable silicone plus was inserted bilaterally into the openings of the inferior lacrimal ducts. During follow-up, the effect of treatment was assessed by means of various measurements of function of the lacrimal glands.


RESULTS
After 3 and 9 months there was a measurable favourable effect with regard to tear production (Schirmer-test), tear film stability ('tear film break-up time'), the damage to the cornea (Bengal-red-test) and the subjective symptoms of dry eye on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The difference in comparison with the initial values was significant except for the Bengal-red-test after 9 months. There were no complications. In the 5 patients with a basal Schirmer test value of o mm after 5 min, there was no improvement.
ter Borg
E J
EJ
St Antonius Ziekenhuis, Postbus 2500, 3430 EM Nieuwegein.
Bistervels
J H
JH
Haanen
H C
HC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome