NCT00372034

The Effect of Punctal Plugs on Tear Volume and Osmolality

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (planned)
• Sponsor: The University of New South Wales · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 64 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of tear volume in discomfort and dryness sensations during contact lens wear, and the possible influence on osmolality and ocular surface sensitivity.

Detailed description

50% of contact lens wearers have dryness/discomfort during contact lens wear. Significant decreases in lipid layer and tear film break up time during contact lens wear have been reported, leading to excessive evaporation, reduced tear volume and an increase in osmolality. Similar tear film changes occur with Dry Eye Disease. A commonly used therapy in treating dry eye is the insertion of punctal plugs to increase tear volume and ease dry eye symptoms. Punctal plugs block the tear drainage system, and often increase tear stability, and improve ocular surface health. This study will evaluate the role of tear volume in discomfort and dryness sensations during contact lens wear, and the possible influence on osmolality and ocular surface sensitivity. Collagen punctal plugs will be used for this study, as these allow a temporary (3-14 days) occlusion of the ocular drainage system, are easily removed if necessary and are inserted with minimal risk.

Conditions

• Dry Eye Syndromes

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Temporary Collagen Inserts

Timeline

• Start date: 2006-07-01
• Primary completion: 2007-03-01
• Completion: 2007-03-01
• First posted: 2006-09-06
• Last updated: 2009-04-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Australia