Effect of Temporary Punctal Plugs Implanted at the End of Biaxial Phacoemulsification in Preventing Dry Eye Disease

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of temporary punctal plugs implanted at the end of biaxial phacoemulsification in preventing dry eye disease. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University; Syrian Private University; Al Andalus University for medical sciences.Materials and method: Prospective randomized controlled study, comprised 30 eyes of 30 patients with age related cataract, divided into two groups, in the first-study group( 17eyes) temporary punctal plugs were implanted through the upper punctum after biaxial phaco, while in the second- control group(13 eyes) biaxial phaco was performed without punctal plugs. Results were studied one day, one week and one month after surgery, outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity UCVA, meniscus height, tear film break up time (FTBUT), and patient’s satisfaction. All surgeries were performed using direct chop technique.Results: the difference in UCVA between the two groups was statistically evident at all follow up intervals (P= 0.002, 0.014, 0.006 respectively). Meniscus height was better in the first group compared to the second, the difference was statistically evident one day and one week after surgery( P= 0.02, 0.03 respectively), while the difference was not evident one month after surgery. FTBUT values were better in the first group, but the difference was not statistically evident one day and one week after surgery (P=0.60- 0.21 respectively), while it became statistically evident one month after surgery (P= 0.02). No statistically evident difference was found between the two groups regarding patient’s satisfaction.Conclusion: Temporary punctal plugs implanted at the end of biaxial phacoemulsification were effective in preventing dry eye disease.