New, updated punctum plugs offer distinct advantages

Pending FDA approval, which is expected this fall, FCI Ophthalmics of Marshfield Hills, MA, will introduce the Snug Plug, a silicone plug meant for permanent placement. "It is new and pretty exciting because it is a one-size-fits-all and it is a punctal rather than an intracanalicular plug," said Ann Bohsack, vice president, FCI Ophthalmics.

The plug offers one-step insertion and is preloaded on an insertion tool. It does not require dilation.

FCI Ophthalmics has also introduced a long-lasting absorbable plug, the ProLong, which is ideal for postoperative dry eye management following LASIK or for relief of dry eye symptoms caused by ocular surface disease, Bohsack said. The plugs provide symptom relief for about 3 months.

The ProLong is composed of an absorbable copolymer material and comes in three sizes: 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in length.

Second-generation plug

"Medennium has demonstrated through tests by clinicians that this second-generation design has almost eliminated the breakage problem for new users during the insertion procedure, although the breakage rate for the first generation has been very low and only occurs to new users during their first few SmartPlug insertion procedures," Dr. Zhou said.

"Nevertheless, the second-generation design with the new outer package has proved to enhance the good experience further for first-time users as well as experienced users," he added.

After insertion, the 6-mm plug shrinks to about 1.6 mm in length, and the diameter expands from 0.4 mm to 1 mm.