Abstract

EFFECTIVENESS OF PUNCTAL PLUGS IN REDUCING DRY EYE SYMPTOMS IN POST PRK SURGERY PATIENTS

Ibtisam Marashdeh* MD, Ahmad Alhusban MD, Ghadeer Al-Humimat MD, Bayan Khasawneh and Mohammad Alnsour MD

ABSTRACT

Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common and uncomfortable complication following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), impacting patients' comfort and visual quality. Punctal plugs, which block tear ducts to maintain tear film, have been proposed as a potential solution to alleviate these symptoms. However, their effectiveness in patients post-PRK remains under-explored. Objective: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of punctal plugs in reducing dry eye symptoms and enhancing tear film stability in patients following PRK surgery. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at King Hussein Medical Centre. Medical records of patients who received punctal plugs between one week to one monthpost-PRK surgery between May 2021 and May 2024 were reviewed. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and tear break-up time (TBUT) at baseline (day of plug insertion), and at one month and three months post-insertion. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients receiving punctal plugs would show a greater reduction in dry eye symptoms and an improvement in tear film stability compared to those receiving standard treatment. Significance: This study aims to provide critical insights into the efficacy of punctal plugs as a treatment for dry eye syndrome following PRK surgery. Positive outcomes could lead to improved post-operative care and enhanced quality of life for PRK patients.

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