Punctual plug.

[Totthi]

Hello,

I have read a comment from a member of Glaucoma UK, which mention: Normally when putting the eye drop in the eye, we have to pinch the corner of the eye for two minutes to stop the eye drop enter the body.

She also mentions if we can ask the Doctor to insert a punctual plug, we don't have to pinch the corner of the eye anymore.

Yesterday by chance I had come across my old appointment letter, it was on 20/07/2021 and there was a line saying: PUNCTUAL PLUG INSERTED. At that time I was seen by a Glaucoma specialist nurse, but he didn't tell me what it was for.

So my question is: Is that mean I don't have to pinch the corner of my eye when I apply the eye drop anymore?

I really much appreciate it if you can help me with that question, please.

Thank you

Looking forward to hearing from you

Tot thi

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello Totthii. Firstly, you dont have to pinch the corner of your eye. You should close your eye and press gently on the tear duct for up to 2 minutes on each eye. When you attend your next appointment, ask if the punctal plug is still there, as they can, over time come out. In the meantime, just keeping closing your eye and pressing gently on your tearduct where you put your drops in. There is no need to pinch the eye.

[Totthi in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Trish.

[myeyes in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

To add my 2 cents /pennies worth of info, punctal plugs are usually used to slow down the flow of tears which lubricates the eye and prevent dry eyes symptoms. Not meant for eyedrops application. Also there are 2 Punctums per eye and a plug is usually applied to the lower lid Punctum only.Hence, gentle pressure is still needed to help eyedrops absorption. Hope that makes sense. Bye.

[Totthi in reply to myeyes]

Thank you myeyes for your information, it is really helpful.