Abstract:AIM: To develope a type of absorbable punctal plug.
METHODS:To produce punctal plugs with polylactic acid. To model the dry eye rabbits by removing of the main lacrimal gland, the third eyelid and Harder's gland; To record the results of Schirmer test and the pyrogen test before and after the implantation of punctal plugs; Schirmer test and pyrogen test were performed before and after punctal plug implantation. The lacrimal plugs histocompatibility and the degradation time were also observed.
RESULTS: It can significantly improve the Schirmer test of dry eye rabbits to implant punctual plugs. No pyrogenic reactions had been discovered. Good histocompatibility was achieved and the plugs would degrade within 2 months.
CONCLUSION:The plugs produced by polylactic acid biodegradable material, which is widely used in biomedical fields, have no toxic effects on rabbits. It's safe and inexpensive, so it's valuable for further research and clinical application.