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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

Punctal Plugs for Dry eyes

punctal-plugs-with-descriptions

A punctal plug is a tiny biocompatible medical device that is inserted into the tear duct (puncta) of an eye to block the duct. This slows down the drainage of the tears from the eye increasing the eye’s tear film and surface moisture to relieve dry eyes. Plugs are one of the treatment options used by our Optometrists as part of our dry eye treatment protocols.

There are two types of tear duct plugs:

  1. Semi-permanent, typically made of long-lasting materials such as silicone
  2. Dissolvable, made of materials such as collagen that the body eventually absorbs.  Last from a few days to as long as several months.

Dissolvable punctal plugs are sometimes used to determine if the treatment works for your dry eye condition. If so, then semi-permanent punctal plugs may be considered.The plugs are made of silicone, collagen, hydrophobic acrylic polymer, polydioxanone and hydrogel.

Each eyelid has one punctum, located at the inner margin near the nose. Punctal plugs can be inserted in the puncta of the lower lids, the upper lids or both.  Our Optometrists use a special instrument to measure the size of your puncta to determine the proper size of the punctal plug needed to block the channel and keep it securely in place. An instrument may be used to dilate the tear duct opening for easier insertion. To prepare you for the procedure, our Optometrists may use local anesthetic before inserting the punctal plug however in most cases, no anesthetic is needed.  Other than slight initial discomfort, you should not feel the punctal plug once it is in place. After the procedure, you should be able to resume normal activities.

For the most part, punctal plug insertion is uneventful and rarely involves serious side effects or problems.Some side effects that can occur include excessive tearing or watery eyes if the punctal plug works too well. If this is the case, the plug may need to be removed or replaced with a different type to better control the amount of tears in the eye. Displacement or loss of the plug is common and can occur when people rub their eyes. If this is the case, a replacement plug will need to be re-inserted.  may occur though rare.  In these cases, you may need treatment antibiotics and/or removal of the punctum plug.

As part of our dry eye treatment, Our Optometrists prefer to treat the underlying inflammation prior to using plugs.  If you are suffering from dry eyes, book an appointment with one of the Optometrists at our dry eye clinic.  Alberta Health Care covers visits for dry eyes for all age groups.  Stop suffering and enjoy the previous moments of life.

Credit: allaboutvision.com

Photo credit: universityeyeclinic.com

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Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134