Oasis Medical has recently unveiled its latest product, the SOFT PLUG Extended Duration 180-T Tapered Plug, which is engineered to aid individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome and related ocular surface diseases. The new tapered plugs are designed for ease of use and effective occlusion of the canaliculus, a crucial component in treating eye conditions.
The SOFT PLUG Extended Duration 180-T features a .25mm tapered end, facilitating simple insertion through the punctal opening. It expands to a .6mm diameter at the top, ensuring that the canaliculus is sufficiently occluded to block tear drainage effectively. This innovative design allows the plug to degrade over approximately 180 days after placement.
Made from degradable polydioxanone monofilament, these plugs serve multiple purposes. They enhance the effectiveness of topical medications or ocular lubricants, offer relief from contact lens intolerance, and provide temporary relief following ocular surgery. Additionally, they are used to evaluate the potential benefits of permanent occlusion treatments.
"I have been using the long duration punctal plugs for over 5 years. Oasis recently upgraded the long duration plug to have a tapered edge. The ease of insertion is amazing, and it benefits the patient by allowing a larger diameter plug to be inserted," said Lacey Thames, OD, of Focus Vision & Eye Care in Texas.
Each SOFT PLUG Extended Duration 180-T Tapered Plug is supplied sterile, with two plugs per pouch—allowing for treatment of both canaliculi simultaneously. The product is available in boxes containing 20 pouches, with a total of 40 plugs. The reference number for these plugs is 6210.
With this new offering, Oasis Medical continues to innovate in the field of ocular health, providing solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those dealing with dry eye and other related conditions.
Dry eye disease, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce tears properly or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface, resulting in discomfort, redness, itching, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation, as if something is in the eye. Various factors can contribute to dry eye, including aging, medication use, certain medical conditions, environmental influences like wind and dry air, and prolonged screen time which reduces blinking frequency.