Clinical and scintigraphic comparison of silicone and polyvinylpyrrolidonecoated silicone perforated plugs

Background/aim - Isolated stenosis of the lacrimal punctum is a frequent ca use of epiphora. Treatment relies on surgical opening or dilatation with bi - or monocanalicular prosthesis. Recently, silicone perforated punctum plug s (PPP) were proposed. The drawback with these silicone PPP was that secret ions accumulate in the central orifice blocking the spontaneous flow of tea rs. A modification of the surface of the PPP using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PV P) was thus proposed. The aim was to compare silicone PPP with new PVP surf ace treated PPP. Methods - A prospective study was conducted of 20 patients with dilatable s tenosis of the lacrimal puncta who developed epiphora. Epiphora, tolerance, implantation of the PPP, and lacrimal drainage were evaluated using scinti graphy of the lacrimal ducts. Results - The raw data and statistical analysis showed evidence of a superi or performance of PVP surface treated PPP. Conclusion - Long term evaluation of the advantages or risks of PVP plugs a nd comparison with microsurgical puncto-plasty are warranted.