PURPOSE: To investigate changes in signs, symptoms, and tear cytokines following punctal @entity432 in @entity1 with @entity936 . METHODS: A single-center study was conducted at Singapore Eye Research Institute. Nonabsorbable punctal plugs were inserted in the lower punctum of both eyes in @entity1 with moderate @entity936 . Over 3  weeks, in the more severe eye, @entity936 , @entity941 corneal staining, Schirmer I (without topical anesthesia) test, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and safety were assessed. Cytokine and @entity1495 ( @entity1495 ) levels in tear samples were measured. RESULTS: Twenty-nine @entity1 (mean age 49.8  years) with moderate @entity936 were evaluated. At baseline, mean (standard deviation) global symptoms score was 53.8 (26.5), Schirmer I test score was 5.1 (2.8) mm, and TFBUT was 2.2 (0.6) seconds. After 3  weeks, @entity432 significantly reduced global irritation symptoms score (P<.001) and decreased @entity941 staining in all zones (P<.01) except the inferior zone (P=.42). No significant association between levels of cytokines or @entity1495 and either @entity146 were observed at baseline. Levels of several cytokines and @entity1495 were higher in @entity1 with Schirmer I test scores  <=8  mm at baseline. After 3  weeks of @entity432 , no significant changes in overall cytokine or @entity1495 levels were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Punctal @entity432 provided symptomatic relief and reduced @entity941 staining in all except the inferior zone. However, insertion of punctal plugs had minimal effect on tear cytokines and @entity1495 levels, suggesting a need for earlier treatment with anti-inflammatory agents for management of @entity2194 .

Effects of Punctal Occlusion on Clinical Signs and Symptoms and on Tear Cytokine Levels in XXXX with @entity936 .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity2194 :: ('MESH:D005128', 'Disease') :: ['dry eye disease'] @entity146 :: ('MESH:D001523', 'Disease') :: ['TFBUT or global irritation symptoms'] @entity936 :: ('MESH:D015352', 'Disease') :: ['dry eye', 'dry eye symptoms'] @entity1495 :: ('4318', 'Gene') :: ['MMP-9', 'matrix metalloproteinase-9'] @entity941 :: ('MESH:D019793', 'Chemical') :: ['fluorescein'] @entity432 :: ('MESH:D001157', 'Disease') :: ['plug occlusion', 'punctal occlusion']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['Patients']
