punctal plug

English

Noun

punctal plug (plural punctal plugs)

1. (ophthalmology) A small device that is inserted into the tear duct of an eye to block the duct, preventing the drainage of liquid from the eye.
   • 1976 April 13, Jerre M. Freeman, Punctum plug and method for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and other ophthalmic aliments using same, US Patent 3949750 :

     The punctal plug has been found useful in treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and is believed to be suitable for treating other ophthalmic ailments where retention of lacrimal fluid on the surface of the eye and in the lacrimal lake is desired or where sustained release of an ophthalmic medication to the eye by using the plug as a medication carrier is desired.

Synonyms

• tear duct plug, lacrimal plug

Related terms

• punctum

Further reading

• punctal plug on Wikipedia.Wikipedia