What was the Extended Wear plug designed to do?
The UltraPlugTM Extended Wear plug is designed for longer term evaluation of post- surgical dry eye symptoms prior to full absorption. The synthetic absorbable material (E- Caprolactone-L-Lactide copolymer) lasts longer than collagen plugs with patient evaluation recommended within 2 months. They are designed to be inserted through the punctal opening into the canaliculus to block tear drainage.

How are these new plugs inserted?
Remove the appropriate size plug using a jewelers' forceps, while holding the plug with the forceps, place the plug partially through the punctal opening. Release the plug and use the tip of the forceps to push the plug the rest of the way through the punctal opening into the canaliculus.

What sizes are available with this new plug?
The UltraPlug Extended Wear Plug is available in a .2 mm, .3 mm and .4 mm diameter. All 3 sizes are available in both a standard length (2.0 mm) and a short length (1.6 mm). They are supplied 2 plugs per package, 10 packages per box. This plug is dyed violet and is coated.

Are there any competitor products comparable to the Extended Wear Plug?
Yes, Oasis has the Soft Plug Extended Duration Absorbable Plug. This plug is available in a .3 mm, .4 mm and a .5 mm diameter, each supplied in the 2.0 mm length. They are packaged 2 plugs per sterile sleeve, 20 sleeves per box. They are currently being advertised as the $ 6 plug.

How much will the Extended Wear Plugs cost?
List price on the Extended Wear Plugs is $ 185.00 per box. We are anticipating our synthetic plug to last longer than the Oasis plug. More details to follow.

Punctal Plug Pointers?
Virtually every LASIK case has the opportunity to use one of our 3 plug options (collagen- pre-LASIK and synthetic absorbable or silicone- post-LASIK.)
75% of dry eye sufferers are women over the age of 40.
Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most under diagnosed and under treated conditions in North America.

UltraPlug vs. the Sharpoint name?
There are perceived negative connotations associated with punctal plugs and the Sharpoint name. To promote brand awareness, the name UltraPlug will be featured in all future advertisements. As materials and supplies for the UltraPlug product line are re-ordered in the future, the Sharpoint name will not be featured.

Does the Extended Wear plug carry the CE Mark and can it be sold internationally?
We are looking at CE approval in the first quarter of 2003. This product will be marketing internationally at that time as a great substitute to the collagen plugs which may not be sold in Europe.