Abstract
Background
Dry eyes are a common symptom following LASIK corneal refractive surgery. Treatments include topical lubricants to supplement the tear film, and punctal occlusion to reduce tear outflow. Canaliculitis is a recognised complication of punctal plugs, but has not previously been described following insertion of newer generation semi-permanent intra-canalicular plugs, such as the SmartPLUG.
Methods
Case report.
Results
We describe a 60-year-old female who underwent bilateral LASIK surgery leading to aggravation of her dry eye syndrome. She was managed with the insertion of semi-permanent intra-canalicular moldable silicone SmartPLUGs. She subsequently developed bilateral canaliculitis requiring bilateral canaliculotomy.
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral canaliculitis following intra-canalicular SmartPLUG insertion. This case illustrates that punctal occlusion with the newer generation intra-canalicular plugs carries a risk of canaliculitis and that irrigation is not always effective in removing these devices.
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Scheepers, M., Pearson, A. & Michaelides, M. Bilateral canaliculitis following SmartPLUG insertion for dry eye syndrome post LASIK surgery. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 245, 895–897 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-006-0462-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-006-0462-8