Mark Speaker, M.D., Ph.D. Coauthors Punctal Plug &
Refractive Surgery Results Clinical Study

Mark Speaker, M.D., Ph.D. is a Corneal Specialist and LASIK Surgeon in New York at Laser and Corneal Surgery Associates in Manhattan. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the fields of corneal and refractive surgery including LASIK and Corneal Transplantation through his efforts in patient care, research and ongoing physician education. Dr. Speaker, along with coauthors Drs. Khalil, Latkany and Yu published the results of their study ”Effect of Punctal Plugs in Patients with Low Refractive Errors Considering Refractive Surgery” in the May 2007 Journal of Refractive Surgery.

Abstract of Study and Publication

PURPOSE: To study the effect of punctal plug placement in patients undergoing refractive surgery for correction of poor vision.

METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 12 patients (21 eyes) who presented for initial refractive surgery or retreatment after LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy to improve visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was documented in each eye. If tear normalization test was positive (indicating dry eye), silicone punctal plugs were placed in the lower lids of both eyes. Subjective patient UCVA and Snellen UCVA were assessed at 1 month.

RESULTS: At 1 month, two eyes improved by three Snellen lines, nine eyes improved by two lines, seven eyes improved by one line, and three eyes remained unchanged. Uncorrected visual acuity was considered statistically significant (P < .0001) using the paired t test. No eye demonstrated decrease in visual acuity. One patient experienced punctal plug extrusion in both eyes. No other adverse outcomes were reported. One patient pursued additional refractive surgery after plug placement. No patient requested plug removal.

CONCLUSION: Patients with low refractive errors note improvement in visual acuity after punctal plug placement.

About Mark Speaker, M.D., Ph.D.

Mark Speaker, M.D. received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency in Ophthalmology at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan where he served as the Chief Resident. In addition he completed a Fellowship in Corneal and Refractive Surgery at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. He has served as the Director of the Cornea Service and Director of the Ophthalmology Residency Program at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Cornea Society, the Program Committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has received the Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is currently Medical Director of TLC Laser Eye Centers Manhattan. In addition, he is the author of numerous articles and publications in the areas of Corneal Disease, Cornea Transplants, LASIK and Ocular Surface Disease including Dry Eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome.