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What Are The Adverse Effects Of Permanent Punctal Plugs For Dry Eyes?
Question: What are the adverse effects/side effects of permanent punctal plugs for dry eyes, years ago I had multiple extensive sinus surgeries I now have problems, as it is explained to me by Doctors "It is too wide open, when there is swelling i.e,, from changes in the barometric pressure things swell and stay swollen in place there is nothing to bounce back off of", not too long ago I had an upper tooth extracted, following, there was such excruciating sinus pain, imaging revealed no infection, it was advised I am not a candidate for an upper dental implant and had to have a crown instead, being that this is a foreign object implanted into my tear ducts (in the region of the sinus cavity) I am concerned I may not be a candidate for punctal plugs due to surgical structural changes, while this is an individual problem I do not believe it would be addressed in the known adverse effects/side effects, that being said, in addition to requesting the known adverse effects/side effects, I am also seeking your opinion on my specific issue, in addition to having this answered by an Opthalmologist may I have this answered by an Otolarynologist as well
Brief Answer:
Should not be a contraindication
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com
Thank you for sending in your query.
The most common indication for the use of punctal plugs is the dry eye syndrome. Given that punctal occlusion, at any level along the canaliculus, prevents the drainage of aqueous tears and topical medications via the nasolacrimal drainage
system, it follows that aqueous-deficient dry eye of any cause should benefit from punctal occlusion.
An obvious contraindication to punctal plug insertion (absorbable or reversible), although rare, would be allergy to any of the materials with which they are made. Punctal plugs should be avoided in patients with nasolacrimal
drainage system infections (canaliculitis and dacryocystitis).
Other relative contraindications include previous adverse events with punctal plugs, punctal ectropion, and a naturally obstructed nasolacrimal drainage pathway (no benefit to be gained).
Punctal occlusion may be inadvisable for dry eye from inflammatory causes, as it prolongs contact with the ocular surface of naturally produced tears and potentially toxic chemicals.
Sideffects of Various Plugs may be :
1. Spontaneous extrusion
2. Conjunctival irritation
3. Deep insertion
4. Migration
5. Scarring
6. Pyogenic granuloma
7. Adherence of bacteria to plug surface
8. Infection
Having stated all this , I don't believe your condition is a contraindication for a punctal plug therapy.
But it will be advisable to go in for a temporary procedure first in order to understand your situation better.
Please do get back to us in case of any further doubts.
Regards,
Should not be a contraindication
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com
Thank you for sending in your query.
The most common indication for the use of punctal plugs is the dry eye syndrome. Given that punctal occlusion, at any level along the canaliculus, prevents the drainage of aqueous tears and topical medications via the nasolacrimal drainage
system, it follows that aqueous-deficient dry eye of any cause should benefit from punctal occlusion.
An obvious contraindication to punctal plug insertion (absorbable or reversible), although rare, would be allergy to any of the materials with which they are made. Punctal plugs should be avoided in patients with nasolacrimal
drainage system infections (canaliculitis and dacryocystitis).
Other relative contraindications include previous adverse events with punctal plugs, punctal ectropion, and a naturally obstructed nasolacrimal drainage pathway (no benefit to be gained).
Punctal occlusion may be inadvisable for dry eye from inflammatory causes, as it prolongs contact with the ocular surface of naturally produced tears and potentially toxic chemicals.
Sideffects of Various Plugs may be :
1. Spontaneous extrusion
2. Conjunctival irritation
3. Deep insertion
4. Migration
5. Scarring
6. Pyogenic granuloma
7. Adherence of bacteria to plug surface
8. Infection
Having stated all this , I don't believe your condition is a contraindication for a punctal plug therapy.
But it will be advisable to go in for a temporary procedure first in order to understand your situation better.
Please do get back to us in case of any further doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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