Visual function changes after punctal occlusion with the treatment of short BUT type of dry eye.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual function changes after punctal plug (PP) occlusion in patients with short breakup time of tear film (BUT) type of dry eyes.

METHODS

A prospective comparative study was performed in 43 eyes of 43 dry eye patients with short BUTbreakup time of tear film receiving PP occlusion. Patients were divided into 2 groups as those receiving only upper or only lower occlusion. Functional visual acuity measurements, tear function evaluations, and questionnaire on satisfaction with treatment in relation to presence of epiphora were performed before and 1 month after PP insertion.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes of 43 eyes (46.5%) with only lower occlusion and 17 eyes of 43 eyes (39.5%) with only upper occlusion showed satisfactory outcomes with treatment. One of 43 eyes (2.3 %) had epiphora. Vital staining scores and BUT values significantly improved in both groups after occlusion. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution functional visual acuity value significantly improved only in eyes receiving upper PP occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Upper PP occlusion seems to be associated not only with improvement of tear stability, vital staining scores, and treatment-related satisfaction but also with better quality of visual function.