Why is punctal occlusion performed?

The goal of punctal occlusion is to slow the drainage of the tears to keep the tears on the eye longer for added lubrication. Punctal plugs are very small biocompatible devices that are inserted into the lacrimal punctum.

What is punctal occlusion?

Punctal occlusion is a painless procedure in which the puncta (small openings in the corners of the eyes through which tears drain—the tear ducts) are blocked. Blocking the puncta increases the number of tears available to bathe the front part of the eye by decreasing the number of tears that drain away from the eye.

What is a punctal cautery?

Punctal Cauterization During cauterization, an ophthalmologist applies heat to the puncta in each eye, permanently closing the duct and thus preventing tears from draining out of the eyes. This procedure is performed in the ophthalmologist’s office.

How is punctal occlusion done?

Punctal occlusion should be carried out for a period of 3 minutes to prevent side effects. It can also be done by simply closing the eye. It’s equally effective as pushing the tear ducts closed with your finger. The tear ducts are located in the inner corner of the eyelids.

How much does punctal occlusion cost?

How Much Does a Punctal Occlusion Surgery Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Punctal Occlusion Surgery ranges from $648 to $779. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave. Read more about how MDsave works.

Is punctal cautery permanent?

Punctal cautery is a permanent option, but only after medical management leads you there. Ocular surface disease can wreak havoc on our surgical patients.

Can I remove punctal plugs myself?

Temporary punctal plugs dissolve naturally and do not require removal. Permanent punctal plugs do not need to be removed unless you are bothered by them or develop an infection (which is extremely rare). Removing punctal plugs is usually very easy. Your doctor may take out the plug using forceps.

Will cauterization leave scars?

Curettage and cautery of a skin lesion always leaves some degree of scarring as it is not possible to curette the skin without this happening. The lesion will have to be treated by the dermatologist to ensure scarring is kept to a minimum.

Should I clean a cauterized wound?

The area treated must remain covered and dry for 24 hours. Curette wounds need to be cleaned. This is most easily performed in the shower, washing the area with soap and water, starting 24 hours after the procedure.

Can you get a cauterized wound wet?

Keep the wound dry for the first 48 hours. After that you can bath or shower normally. However, if you get the wound wet we recommend you dry it thoroughly before re-applying a dry dressing. You should avoid swimming until after the stitches have been removed.

How is punctal cautery related to dry eye?

Punctal Occlusion (Punctal Cautery) Dry eye syndrome — a disorder of the eye’s tear film that causes it to decrease tear and moisture production — is one of the most common complaints that eye care professionals hear. Up to 20 percent of adults are diagnosed with dry eye syndrome during their lives.

Can A punctal occlusion be used over the counter?

Most of the time, dry eyes can be treated with over-the-counter artificial tears (eye drops). Used regularly, they can relieve the symptoms of dry eye and prevent any complications. If the eye drops don’t help and your symptoms are more serious, you may require a punctal occlusion.

What are the signs and symptoms of punctal occlusion?

Punctal Occlusion. These patients have signs and symptoms of dry eyes, including interpalpebral corneal and conjunctival staining and filamentary keratitis, and are at risk for corneal melting. Some of these patients may also require lateral tarsorrphaphies.

Can A punctal cauterization be performed in a clinic?

CONCLUSIONS: Punctal cauterization is an effective modality in treating severe ocular surface diseases in patients who repeatedly lose punctal plugs, and it can be easily performed in a clinic setting without major complications. However, cauterization may need to be repeated in up to a quarter of cases because of recanalization.