what is Punctual
Occlusion? | the
procedure | risk
factors
What
is Punctual Occlusion?
 At
times, the need for artificial tears can interrupt daily life
and create a problem with patient compliance. Many times a patient
becomes tired of using frequent eye drops throughout the day
and ointments before bed. Patients requiring treatment but wanting
relief from frequent drops are candidates for "Punctal Plugs".
As the name suggests, Punctal plugs occlude (block) the punctum,
or tear duct, which carries tears and debris away from the surface
of the eye. There are upper and lower punctum ducts in the inner
corner of each eye. Blocking these drainage ducts prevents tears
from draining away too quickly. Punctal occlusion can be compared
to putting a stopper in a sink drain. Although delicate, this
specialized procedure is safe, quick, and totally reversible.
Punctal occluders are made of a very soft flexible silicone,
carefully manufactured into an extremely smooth and precise
design. Our doctors utilize the "Parasol" Punctal Plugs from
Odyssey Medical. Parasol plugs are one of the most advanced
occluder systems available, and is widely utilized within the
Eyecare industry.
The
Procedure
Instillation typically includes a prophylactic drop of antibiotic
to flush the tear duct. A single drop of anesthetic is then
instilled to briefly anesthetize the eye. Gently securing
the implant with a pair of forceps, and using a high-powered
magnification device called a slit-lamp, our doctors will
line the plug up with the patient's punctum and delicately
position the plug into the tear duct. The patient will then
sit for about 10 minutes and be re-evaluated to insure that
the plug is secure. Follow up will occur in about 11 to 15
days. The follow up visit will assess the position of the
plug, the health of the cornea, and the amount and quality
of tear in the eye. Patients usually notice the most improvement
at about day three.
What are the risk factors for Punctual Occlusion?
Punctal occlusion is an extremely safe procedure. Although
rare, risk factors may include infection within the tear duct,
a dislodged plug, or eye irritation from contact with a portion
of the plug. Because of the reversible nature of this technology,
these risk factors are treated with simple plug manipulation
or removal, or the application of an antibiotic eye drop.
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