Title of article :
Preliminary Outcomes of Temporary Collagen Punctal Plugs for Patients with Dry Eye and Glaucoma
Author/Authors :
Chen, Ming John A. Burns School of Medicine - University of Hawaii, Honolulu, United States , Choi, So Yung John A. Burns School of Medicine - University of Hawaii, Honolulu, United States
Abstract :
The aim of this study was using a temporary collagen punctal plug as a pre-test before decision of permanent punctal
closure or long-term plug use for patients with dry eye disease (DED) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This
case-control study was conducted at a single office in Honolulu, Hawaii from January 2017 to August 2018. In the case
group, a temporary collagen plug was used in 33 eyes of 33 patients with DED and POAG who were receiving glaucoma
medications with good control. On the other hand in the control group, 33 eyes of 33 patients with DED and POAG who
were receiving glaucoma medications with good control were included, but punctal plug was not used. In the case group,
one of the lower lid puncta was selected for the study and a canalicular rod shape plug was inserted as a therapeutic trial
to predict the efficacy of long-term punctal plug placement or punctal closure. The mean changes of intraocular pressure
(IOP) and improvement in symptoms/signs of DED were compared between the two study groups. Results revealed a
statistically significant IOP reduction in the case group compared to the control group. Furthermore, DED improved
significantly more in the case group compared to the control group (P< 0.001). We concluded that temporary punctal
plug in patients with DED and POAG can significantly improve DED and lower IOP. Therefore, we could consider
permanent punctal closure or long-term plug for patients with DED and POAG who responded well to temporary punctal
plug without epiphora or other complications.
Keywords :
Dry Eye disease , Primary Open Angle Glaucoma , Glaucoma , Collagen Punctal Plug , Punctal Closure , Intraocular Pressure
Journal title :
Medical Hypothesis, Discovery & Innovation Ophthalmology