Acute conjunctivitis associated with biofilm formation on a punctal plug

Background: Punctal plugs are used for the treatment of tear-deficient type dry eye. We recently examined a case of acute conjunctivitis associated wi th bacterial biofilm formation on a punctal plug. Case: A 63-year-old woman diagnosed as having tear-deficient type dry eye c ame to our hospital with a complaint of soreness in her right eye. Punctal plugs had been inserted into this eye 5 1/2 months previously. On the day o f her visit, she presented with acute conjunctivitis. Observations: In biomicroscopical examination, the top of the punctal plug was seen to be covered with a whitish soft material. Microbiological analys is performed on a part of this material was positive for Staphylococcus hae molyticus and Candida tropicalis. Scanning electron microscopy of the remov ed punctal plug revealed widespread bacterial colonization embedded within an extensive extracellular matrix. Treatment consisted of the replacement o f the plug, and administration of a combination of antibacterial eyedrops a nd preservative-free artificial solution. As a result, the acute conjunctiv itis cleared up within 1 month. Conclusions: This case suggests that a punctal plug poses a potential risk of causing the formation of bacterial biofilm. In such a case, replacement of the plug and/or removal ol the accumulated materials should be considere d. (C) 2000 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.