[Application of lacrimal plug for dry eye patients].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the availability and efficacy of Smart PLUG in lacrimal plug in the treatment of serious dry eye.

METHODS

Lacrimal plug was applied in 43 patients (72 eyes) in our clinic from July to October in 2004. Questionnaire was used in these patients before the surgery 3 days and repeated after surgery 1 week and 3 months. Slit lamp microscope examination, fluorescent staining for tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test I (STI), impression cytology (IC) were carried out at the same time.

RESULTS

Questionnaire indicated most patients complained about dry eye, foreinbody sensation, asthenopia and red eye. These symptoms were relieved obviously after the application of lacrimal plug. Compared with pre-operation, tear production was increased significantly on the surface of eyes and the defect of corneal epithelium was healed in 37 patients (62 eyes). Compared with pre-operation, BUT and STI were increased and elongated on these patients, IC suggests squamous metaplasia of epithelial layer of conjunctiva in these patients was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of patients suffered from dry eye were relieved obviously by using Smart PLUG. Therefore lacrimal plug can be used for patients with serious dry eye by improving tear volume and tear film stability.