New Smart Plug™ treatment for dry eye

Smart Plugs represent the very latest technology in occlusive dry eye therapy with even higher levels of comfort and speed of recovery. They are inserted easily and painlessly, are medically inert and do not degrade. They cannot be rubbed out like ordinary plugs but could be removed should an outright cure for dry eyes become available.

A Smart Plug™ (Medennium, Inc. Irvine, California), is a temperature sensitive punctal occlusive device. Fabricated from a thermodynamic acrylic polymer, at room temperature the device is a thin rigid rod 10.0 mm long and 0.4 mm in diameter. Using specially designed forceps, the device is inserted into a tear duct where ,at body temperature, it shortens and expands transforming into a soft gel-like glue which conforms to fill the punctal space. Unlike traditional plugs, no part of the Smart Plug lies above the surface of the eyelid after insertion. This means it is instantly comfortable. Click twice on the play button to start video.

A Simple Tool That Works Well

David Crystal, optometrist in private practice in Edinburgh, Scotland UK, specialises in dry eye plug treatments. Based on his own experience with 460 dry eye patients fitted with Smart Plugs, he says 


"Smart Plugs are relatively simple to insert and work well. The patient has relief from dry eye symptoms quicker because there is no plug protrusion. They are much secure than traditional silicone plugs yet are still reversible. Smart Plugs clearly represent an advance over current options for the treatment of dry eye. They are a big step forward. With a high rate of success they are the first choice treatment in occlusive dry eye therapy."


Very useful after LASIK Surgery

Mr. Crystal also thought that the new punctal plug was very helpful following LASIK refractive surgery.

"Dry eye is a documented side effect of LASIK surgery in around 30% of cases and patients with borderline dry eyes prior to surgery can suffer post operatively. A Smart Plug is a problem solver for these people." He went on to say, "some patients are denied LASIK treatment because their eyes are dry. Now they have choice of correcting the underlying problem and proceeding with refractive surgery".

Smart Plugs are not available through the NHS due to their cost. Although they are not suitable for everyone, some patients experience total relief from dry eye symptoms.

Smart Plug™ FAQ

  

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