A technique for preventing spontaneous loss of lacrimal punctal plugs.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for the prevention of spontaneous loss of lacrimal punctal plugs.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

Four consecutive patients (10 puncta in seven eyes) with severe dry eyes who experienced repeated spontaneous plug loss underwent punctal occlusion by suturing plugs with 10-0 polypropylene sutures.

RESULTS

All punctal plugs were fitted to lacrimal puncta by anchoring the sutures. Plug retention rate was 80% at 6 months after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Suturing punctal plugs is effective in the production of long-term punctal closure in patients with repeated spontaneous plug loss.