Study puts limit on ICP use

Using the objective technique of lacrimal scintillography, Malet et al found that with 10 patients fitted uniocularly with an ICP, any improvement in dry eye symptoms had disappeared four weeks after insertion. Information from the patients, plus scores for tear break-up time, Schirmer's test, rose bengal staining and lacrimal scintillography were obtained two and four weeks after insertion of the ICP. The study concluded that canalicular rods or plugs should be reserved for diagnostic purposes to assess which patients would benefit from punctal occlusion.