Silicone versus collagen plugs for treating dry eye: results of a prospective randomized trial including lacrimal scintigraphy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the short-term efficacy of collagen and silicone plugs for treating dry eye using quantitative lacrimal scintigraphy.


METHODS
Prospective randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
In this institutional study, 24 dry eye patients were evaluated in two groups: group I (n = 22 eyes) received collagen plugs and group II (n = 26 eyes) received silicone plugs. Comparisons were made with normal control subjects (n = 22 eyes). Data for the Schirmer I test, tear break-up time, and ocular surface staining with rose bengal dye were recorded before and after punctal occlusion. Lacrimal scintigraphy was performed at each time point, and the time to half maximum activity on the ocular surface (T(1/2)), and the percentage retention of activity on the ocular surface at the end of the dynamic study (RI) were recorded.


RESULTS
In both patient groups, Schirmer I results, tear break-up times, and rose bengal staining scores improved significantly after plug insertion. Mean T(1/2) values and RI values increased significantly in both groups (P < .0001 for both). The differences for these values between groups I and II was statistically insignificant (P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Collagen and silicone plugs both resulted in significant increases in aqueous tear volume, half-life of nuclear material on the ocular surface, and percentage of nuclear material retention. The groups' post-insertion values for all parameters were similar. These results suggest that these two plug types have similar efficacy as treatments for dry eye in the short term. Further studies evaluating long-term results are required.
Altan-Yaycioglu
Rana
R
Department of Ophthalmology, Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
Gencoglu
E Arzu
EA
Akova
Yonca Aydin
YA
Dursun
Dilek
D
Cengiz
Fethi
F
Akman
Ahmet
A
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000368:Aged; D003094:Collagen; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012395:Rose Bengal; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism
D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012395:Rose Bengal; D003094:Collagen; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m