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Arch Ophthalmol. 1999;117:389-390.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

PUNCTAL OCCLUSION is a simple procedure that is both overused and underused. There are several techniques for performing punctal occlusion, and the indication for the punctal occlusion influences the approach used. At one end of the spectrum, punctal occlusion is an essential part of the management of severe cases of dry eyes resulting from an aqueous deficiency associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, epiphora can be a very troublesome complication that may require surgical correction when punctal occlusion is performed in patients who have symptoms of ocular surface disease not caused by aqueous tear deficiency.¹

The idea behind punctal occlusion is straightforward: to increase the aqueous component of the tear film by blocking tear outflow.² Explaining the procedure to patients, one can compare it to blocking the drain in a tub and collecting water dripping from the tap. Punctal occlusion helps to retain artificial tears and the patient's own tears on . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Elisabeth J. Cohen, MD
Philadelphia, Pa

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