Complications of intracanalicular plugs: a case series.

PURPOSE: Intracanalicular plugs are commonly used in the management of dry eyes. The authors report 3 cases of complications associated with intracanalicular plugs.

METHODS

Clinical findings and the management of these patients are presented.

RESULTS

The first patient (case 1) is a 47-year-old female with severe dry eyes. Six months after insertion of intracanalicular Form fit hydrogel plugs (OASIS Medical) she developed canaliculitis with Klebsiella oxytoca. The second patient (case 2), a 33-year-old female, who developed left canalicular abscess 5 months following the insertion of bilateral, intracanalicular Form fit hydrogel plugs (OASIS Medical). The third patient (case 3) a 33-year-old female had granulation tissue formation within the left lower canaliculus, 5 years after insertion of intracanalicular plug. The symptoms in the three patients resolved after they underwent canaliculotomy with removal of the plugs.

CONCLUSION

Complications of intracanalicular plugs can sometimes outweigh their benefits. These plugs can lodge in the lacrimal outflow system and cause pyogenic granuloma formation and canaliculitis. To our knowledge, until now there have been no reports of complications associated with Form Fit hydrogel plugs (OASIS Medical) and its infective complication with Klebsiella oxytoca.