BIO Plug™ | BIO OPTICS | Valley Medical Company

Product Overview

BIO Plug™ is inserted into the tear duct through the punctal opening using medical forceps, thereby reducing tear outflow and assisting in maintaining tears within the eye. It is suitable for patients with dry eye, and its effect can last for approximately 180 days after insertion.

The standout feature of BIO Plug™ is its biodegradability, which eliminates the need for a separate removal procedure. Polydioxanone (PDO), the material used in the plug, gradually biodegrades after insertion and fully dissolves within approximately 180 days.

Key Advantages

Biodegradable

No Separate Removal Procedure

The PDO material gradually dissolves after insertion, avoiding the need for plug removal.

Material

Polydioxanone (PDO)

Made from absorbable polydioxanone material with a violet color for visibility during placement.

Duration

Approximately 180 Days

Designed to remain effective while gradually biodegrading over approximately six months.

Biofilm Consideration

Designed to Minimize Long-Term Biofilm Risk

Unlike permanent silicone plugs, the absorbable PDO design gradually dissolves, reducing prolonged foreign-body exposure that may contribute to biofilm formation.

Comfort

Comfortable After Proper Placement

Designed for patient comfort when correctly positioned in the punctum.

Available Sizes

0.3 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm

Three diameter options are available to support appropriate punctal sizing.

Advantages of Absorbable Punctal Plugs

Compared with permanent silicone punctal plugs, absorbable plugs offer a temporary, procedure-friendly option for tear conservation without requiring long-term retention of a permanent implant.

          Absorbable PDO Plug
          Key Clinical Advantages
          ✓No routine removal procedure: the PDO material gradually biodegrades and is absorbed over approximately 180 days.
✓Reduced long-term foreign-body exposure: the temporary design avoids indefinite retention within the lacrimal drainage system.
✓Lower concern for prolonged biofilm formation: gradual absorption may reduce the opportunity for long-term microbial colonization associated with permanent exposed material.
✓Useful for temporary tear conservation: suitable when punctal occlusion is desired during a defined treatment or recovery period.
✓No external cap: the intracanalicular design avoids a visible punctal flange that may irritate the ocular surface when poorly positioned.

        

Permanent Silicone Plug

Points to Consider

•May require removal: a separate procedure can be needed if the plug causes irritation, epiphora, displacement, or other intolerance.
•Permanent foreign material: the plug remains in place unless it is removed or spontaneously extruded.
•Potential for long-term colonization: prolonged retention may provide a surface on which biofilm can develop.
•Possible surface contact: externally visible designs may cause local irritation if the cap is prominent or malpositioned.
•Long-term occlusion: this may be beneficial in selected patients, but it offers less flexibility when only temporary treatment is intended.

Specifications

BIO Plug™ — Dissolvable Lacrimal Punctum Plug
Product Details
Material	Polydioxanone (PDO)
Color	Violet
Absorption period	Approximately 180 days
Available diameters	0.3 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm
Box configuration	5 pouches per box
Pouch configuration	2 plugs per pouch

Available Sizes

Model No.	Length (mm) (±0.1 mm)	Diameter (mm) Metric Size Standard: EP (USP)
BIO Plug 0.3	2.0	0.340–0.399 (2-0)
BIO Plug 0.4	2.0	0.400–0.499 (0)
BIO Plug 0.5	2.0	0.500–0.570 (1)

Indications

Clinical applications

1

Dry Eye

Supports tear retention by reducing drainage through the punctum.

2

Refractive Surgery

May be used as part of postoperative dry-eye management after refractive procedures.

3

Contact Lens Wear

Supports patients experiencing ocular surface dryness associated with contact lens use.

4

Cataract Surgery

May support postoperative tear-film management following cataract surgery.

5

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

May help conserve the natural tear film in appropriately selected patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.