Posters

The effect of perforated punctal plugs in the management of acquired punctal stenosis

Poster Details

First Author: F.Esin Özdemir TURKEY

Co Author(s):    F. Nuhoğlu   K. Eltutar           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The objectives of this study were to report the success rates for perforated punctual plug ( PPP) in the management of acquired punctual stenosis and to evaluate the factors influencing success rates.

Setting:

Clinics of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul/Turkey

Methods:

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, comparative study. Twenty eyes of 45 patients who underwent PPP implantation for the management of acquired punctual stenosis and punctual obstruction were retrospectively evaluated regarding sex and age of the patients and the duration and severity of epiphora, associated blepharitis, and the success of treatment. In all patients, punctum dilation was performed carefully to prevent damage to the ampulla before the insertion of plugs. Perforated punctual plugs were removed 3 months after insertion.

Results:

There were 33 cases of punctal stenosis, 8 cases of membranous obstruction, 4 papilloma. The mean age of patients was 43.2 (SD, 4.1) years. The mean interval between the onset of epiphora and PPP implantation was 31.1 (SD, 9.3) months. Success was achieved in 36 eyes (80%). . Spontaneous plug loss was noted in 3 eyes between the 1- and 2-month follow-up examination. No patients had residual epiphora.

Conclusions:

Perforated punctual plug implantation for the treatment of acquired punctual stenosis and obstruction is very effective. However, careful punctum dilation should be performed, and the patient age and comorbidities should be considered before treatment. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE