Effects of Punctal Occlusion on Clinical Signs and Symptoms and on Tear Cytokine Levels in Patients with Dry Eye

Punctal plug occlusion provided symptomatic relief and reduced fluorescein staining in all except the inferior zone. However, insertion of punctal plugs had minimal effect on tear cytokines and MMP-9 levels, suggesting a need for earlier treatment with anti-inflammatory agents for management of dry eye disease.