Abstract

SCLERAL PLUG TECHNOLOGY: EVOLVING SOLUTIONS FOR PRECISION OCULAR OCCLUSION

Anisha Anandu, S. P. Hiremath*, M. Mahesh Yadav, Gouri Santosh Koshti, Prajwal Sunil Kole

ABSTRACT

Scleral plugs have significantly evolved over the past century, transitioning from traditional surgical aids to advanced therapeutic devices in ophthalmology. Initially utilized in the early 1900s for retinal detachment via scleral buckling, the concept of scleral plugs emerged in the 1970s and 1980s with the introduction of biocompatible implants for targeted ocular therapies. Key advancements in the 1980s included the use of biodegradable materials like collagen to manage glaucoma through non-penetrating deep sclerectomy. Recent innovations have seen the development of microneedle systems, hydrogels for controlled drug release, and 3D-printed plugs tailored to individual anatomy. Scleral plugs now serve dual purposes: regulating intraocular pressure in glaucoma surgeries and delivering sustained medications for chronic eye diseases such as uveitis and macular degeneration. Their multifunctionality reduces the need for invasiveprocedures and enhances patient comfort. Despite challenges such as potential displacement and inflammation, ongoing research focuses on improving biocompatibility and drug delivery systems, paving the way for personalized and effective ocular therapies. This evolution underscores the intersection of surgical innovation, biomaterials, and pharmaceutical science, establishing scleral plugs as essential components in modern ophthalmic practice.

Keywords: scleral Plugs, ocular drug delivery, biodegradable implants, ocular inserts.