When a punctal plug is inserted, it will rehydrate the tear film and restore tear production. This procedure can cause irritation and pain and may need to be repeated. Side effects include a scratchy, irritating feeling in the corner or excessive tears. The punctal block can also move around and cause irritation. These are just some of the side effects of the punctal solution.
Benefits of Punctal Plugs
In addition to the benefits of punctal plugs, they also provide a temporary solution for the treatment of dry eye disease. The following information will help determine if this treatment is right for your needs. Tong and Gillogly studied how punctal plugs containing atelocollagen-based punctal proteins affected the Schirmer scale. They found that they significantly decreased inflammation and increased lacrimal substances that support the health the ocular surfaces.
Although there are no clear evidence of the effectiveness or efficacy of punctal pillows in treating dry vision, it has been shown that they work better than artificial tears. Similar results were obtained from other studies that compared artificial tears therapy with punctal plugged. Consequently, it seems that the plug is the best solution for dry eye patients. This treatment can be very beneficial to dry eyes patients and will be shared with their friends.
Another study looked at the effects of pain-relieving salicylate drops on patients with dry eye syndrome. In the controlled trial, a Painless Plug was used in a patient without anesthesia. It relieves dry-eye discomfort quickly and sustainably. This trial was performed to determine if the treatment is safe and effective.
Besides alleviating symptoms, punctal plugs can lead to complications. Infection is the most common of these problems. Infections can affect anyone. They can be treated with medication. Aside from the risks of infection, a punctal plug may also move out of place or fall out. Therefore, it is important to consult your eye doctor for this treatment before using one. But this is not a serious problem, and it should only be used for moderate dry eye.
Semi-permanent versus Permanent Punctal Plugs
Semi-permanent and permanent punctal plugs are the most popular. A permanent plug may not be durable for long. However, it can be easily removed if necessary. The eye doctor will use forceps to insert the plug and flush it using a saline solutions. The punctal tubes will drain out through your nose. They are not visible. It is important to avoid tearing.
Punctum pricks are an effective and common treatment for dry eye. It is considered to be relatively safe but can cause serious problems. Some of these complications are epiphora, punctal loss, and dacryocystitis. The punctum plug should not be considered a permanent solution. It should be replaced every four to six week. A permanent punctum-plug can cause permanent scarring.
A punctum-plug may be required in patients suffering from severe dryness of the eye. The most common side effect of a foreign body sensation is it. About 60% of patients experience this sensation. It can be difficult to remove the plug or reposition it. Discuss with your physician the possible side effects of the procedure and any potential complications. Sometimes, a patient may need to take lubricants while the punctum is being inserted. While the procedure is safe, it can cause complications in some patients.
Types of Punctal Plugs
There are two types. One for each eye. The smaller size is known as a one size fits all plug, while the larger size is called a one size fits all plug. Infected punctal plugs will require antibiotics. Sometimes, a punctal plug can cause dacryocystitis. This is a common infection of your tear duct.
A punctum plug can be a problem, but they are rare. These risks can be reduced if the patient is chosen correctly and the plug configuration is correct. There may be some complications, such as pain, swelling, foreign body sensation, and pain. The punctum plug could become detached during the procedure. If symptoms persist after the punctum is removed, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately. If the plug cannot be removed, a surgical repair is only possible.
