J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Nov;42(11):1509-1514.

The Changes of Tear Osmolarity and Protein After Silicone Punctal Plug Insertion In Dry Eye

• Lee EH
• Jang JW
• Lew HM

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes of tear osmolarity and protein after silicone punctal plug insertion in dry eye.
METHODS
We collected tear from 21 dry eyes (11 males and 10 females) with porous polyester rod(Transorb(R)) before silicone punctal occlusion and 2 weeks after the procedure. Tear osmolarity was measured by Fiske 2400 Osmometer(R). Total tear protein concentration was analyzed by Bradford's assay. The concentration of human serum albumin (HSA), lactoferrin, lysozyme were measured by Bio-Rad Gel Doc 2000(R).
RESULTS
The tear osmolarity was changed from 364.48+/41.39 mOsm/L to 327.48+/-27.24 mOsm/L after the punctal occlusion (P<0.05). There were no changes of total protein concentration, Human serum albumin, lactoferrin, but lysozyme was increased statistically significantly (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Silicone punctal occulusion decreases tear osmolarity in dry eye. This decrease is associated with a decrease in ocular surface disease due to high tear osmolarity. Only lysozyme except HSA and lactoferrin was increased significantly. Silicone punctal plug is an effective procedure for dry eye patients, but further investigation of the effects on tear proteins is needed.

Keyword

Human Serum Albumin; Lactoferrin; Lysozyme; Silicone Punctal Occlusion

MeSH Terms

Humans
Lactoferrin
Male
Muramidase
Osmolar Concentration*
Polyesters
Serum Albumin
Silicones*
Lactoferrin
Muramidase
Polyesters
Serum Albumin
Silicones