Glaucoma plugs could stop the need for drops

A trial of a new method of delivering glaucoma medication by using a slow release punctum plug has started.

Glaucoma usually requires patients to permanently take drops once or twice a day to reduce pressure inside the eye. Patients often find it difficult to remember to take the drops or hard to get them int the eye and methods which overcome these issues would be very useful.

After an initial small trial in Singapore showed promise, this longer South African trial uses a punctum plug containing the popular glaucoma medication travoprost (Travatan) which is taken in drop form once a day. The plugs will be trialled over a period of 2 months with pressure being monitored regularly for any signs of change.

Punctum plugs are normally used for helping treat dry eye by blocking the tear ducts