Punctal plug
Punctal Plug
A Punctal Plug (pronunciation: /ˈpʌŋktəl plʌg/), also known as a tear duct plug or lacrimal plug, is a small medical device that is inserted into the tear duct (punctum) of an eye to block the duct. This prevents the drainage of liquid from the eye. They are used to treat dry eye.
Etymology
The term "Punctal" is derived from the Latin word "punctum", meaning "point". The term "plug" is derived from the Old English word "pluggian", meaning "to stop up or fill".
Usage
Punctal plugs are used to treat dry eye, a condition that occurs when a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. They are often used when eye drops do not relieve this condition.
Types
There are two types of punctal plugs: semi-permanent and dissolvable. Semi-permanent plugs are typically made of long-lasting materials such as silicone. Dissolvable plugs are made of materials that will eventually dissolve, such as collagen.
Procedure
The procedure to insert a punctal plug is usually quick and painless. The eye doctor will use a special instrument to measure the size of your tear duct to determine the right size plug. The plug is then inserted into the tear duct.
Risks
While punctal plugs can significantly improve the symptoms of dry eye, they are not without risks. These can include eye infection, excessive tearing, and the plug falling out or moving.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Punctal plug
- Wikipedia's article - Punctal plug
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