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 treatments vary depending on the patient and are most effective when tailored to their specific circumstances. Oftentimes, insurance carriers require that treatment plans begin with over-the-counter eye drops. Koch and Myeni will then reassess symptoms, and if drops were not effective, they will recommend punctal occlusion as the next step after treating any inflammation. While the article points to research on the correlation between dry eye disease and inflammation, the causal relationship joining the two is still relatively unknown 2. Koch and Myeni suggest a nutritional supplement with gamma linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production. Both doctors are encouraged by recent studies on punctal occlusion. Complications such as plug loss, epiphora, and irritation were shown to be infrequent, while symptoms of dry eye disease were improved by at least 50% according to the study conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1. Koch and Myeni both use the Comfortear® Lacrisolve™ 180 Absorbable Punctum Plugs in their practices, noting that their patients tolerate them well and that “the plugs can provide sustained relief from DED symptoms for months at a time.” Read the full article ” Punctal Occlusion and Ocular Nutrition” on GlaucomaToday.com.
Paragon BioTeck, Inc., has developed a line of absorbable and non-absorbable punctum plugs to provide occlusion therapy to treat symptoms associated with dry eye disease that may result from allergies, cataracts, or contact lens intolerance. Patients who are unsure whether occlusion therapy is right for them should talk with their eye doctor.
Paul S. Koch, MD, is the co-founder and medical director of Koch Eye Associates, a Claris Vision Company. Koch has been named to the Ophthalmology Times lists of the Top 100 Ophthalmologists and Top 15 Cataract Surgeons in North America. Thandeka Myeni, MD, MPH, is currently practicing ophthalmology at Holy Cross Hospital in Warwick, RI.
Citations:
- Marcet MM, Shtein RM, Bradley EA, et al. ”Safety and efficacy of lacrimal drainage system plugs for dry eye syndrome: a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.” American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2015.
- Hessen M, Akpek EK.”Dry eye: an inflammatory ocular disease.” J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2014.
