Background: Punctal plugs are used for the treatment of tear-deficient type dry eye. We recently examined a case of acute conjunctivitis associated with bacterial biofilm formation on a punctal plug.
Case: A 63-year-old woman diagnosed as having tear-deficient type dry eye came to our hospital with a complaint of soreness in her right eye. Punctal plugs had been inserted into this eye 5 1/2 months previously. On the day of her visit, she presented with acute conjunctivitis.
Observations: In biomicroscopical examination, the top of the punctal plug was seen to be covered with a whitish soft material. Microbiological analysis performed on a part of this material was positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Candida tropicalis. Scanning electron microscopy of the removed punctal plug revealed widespread bacterial colonization embedded within an extensive extracellular matrix. Treatment consisted of the replacement of the plug, and administration of a combination of antibacterial eyedrops and preservative-free artificial solution. As a result, the acute conjunctivitis cleared up within 1 month.
Conclusions: This case suggests that a punctal plug poses a potential risk of causing the formation of bacterial biofilm. In such a case, replacement of the plug and/or removal of the accumulated materials should be considered.