Punctal Occlusion

In 2015, approximately 600,000 people underwent Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) or other types of laser eye surgery to improve their vision. Whether suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, the lure of a life without glasses or contacts is understandable, especially when you consider the 95% success rate of refractive surgery¹.

Paul S. Koch, MD, co-founder and medical director of Koch Eye Associates, and Thandeka Myeni, MD, MPH, a practicing ophthalmologist in Warwick, RI, combine their expertise in this article on Glaucoma Today to explore punctal occlusion, nutritional supplementation and individualized treatment plans for their dry eye disease patients.

Dry eye disease, also referred to as dry eye syndrome, or simply dry eye, is a chronic disease estimated to affect more than 26 million Americans. Dry eye can occur when eyes do not produce the necessary quantity or quality of tears. Well-lubricated and moisturized eyes are essential to eye comfort and health. Disruptions to the eye’s tear film due to dry eye can result in mild to severe irritation, inflammation, blurred vision, and even scarring of the eye’s surface. (All About Vision)

A recent Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today article by Whitney Hauser, OD, “Modalities for Managing Dry Eye Disease,” discusses the growing recognition of the seriousness and prevalence of dry eye disease. As Dr. Hauser points out, as the dry eye population continues to grow, so, too, does the pool of diagnostic, therapeutic, and treatment options. Knowing which tool to employ, and when, is critical.

Over 30 million Americans wear contact lenses (“Contact Lenses:  Fast Facts”), but many are unaware of the relationship between contacts and dry eye disease.

A recent Advanced Ocular Care article by Larry E. Patterson, MD, “Rethinking First-Line Treatment for Dry Eye Disease,” discusses the importance of a holistic treatment approach for patients with dry eye. Patterson notes that cases of dry eye disease have steadily increased due to technological changes and the relationship between dry eye and refractive surgery. Instead of immediately pursuing intensive treatment options, Patterson encourages physicians to employ more basic first-line treatments.

Portland, Ore., June 24, 2016 – Paragon BioTeck, Inc., announced today that it will now offer the Comfortear® punctal occlusion product line, including the long-term Comfortear® Punctum Plugs and the Comfortear® Lacrisolve® 180 Absorbable Punctum Plugs, to physicians through the ALPHAEON® ShoutStore™ platform. The ShoutStore™ platform is an online marketplace where specialty physicians and their staff can learn about thousands of rated and reviewed products and purchase products available for sale under a broad affinity program.

Many physicians realize that dry eye treatment is a key part of maximizing good visual outcomes following corneal refractive procedures.   

A recent Ocular Surgery News article by Mitchell A. Jackson, MD, “Punctal plugs an overlooked but effective treatment for dry eye syndrome,” discusses the benefits of punctal occlusion for patients with dry eye. Because dry eye syndrome (DES) can produce extreme discomfort for patients, physicians need a variety of tested, effective treatment tools at their disposal.    

Article discusses the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and patient communication in the treatment of dry eye disease

An April 15, 2016 Ophthalmology Times article by Paul S. Koch, MD, “3 steps to improve ocular health of dry eye patients,” provides an overview of the current diagnostic, treatment, and communication strategies for clinicians treating patients with dry eye disease. Dr. Koch notes that contemporary physicians have a wide array of tools at their disposal to treat dry eye, which, if implemented correctly, can lead to greater overall patient satisfaction.