Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

What is a common symptom indicating the need for punctal plugs?

1. Blurred vision

2. Excessive tearing

3. Eye redness

4. Floating spots in vision

The correct answer is: Excessive tearing

Excessive tearing is a common symptom that indicates the need for punctal plugs. Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to help retain tears on the surface of the eye and prevent excessive drainage, which works to alleviate conditions such as dry eye syndrome or insufficient tear production. When someone experiences excessive tearing, it can be counterintuitive, as they may have a feeling of dryness despite the presence of tears. This occurs because the tears may be of poor quality or not lasting long enough on the eye's surface. By using punctal plugs, the drainage of tears is reduced, which can stabilize the tear film and provide better lubrication and comfort. The other symptoms listed, such as blurred vision, eye redness, and floating spots in vision, are indicative of different ocular conditions and may not be directly related to the need for punctal plugs. Blurred vision can occur due to various reasons, including refractive errors or cataracts. Eye redness is commonly associated with inflammation or irritation and doesn't specifically point toward a need for moisture retention. Floating spots, or floaters, are typically related to issues within the vitreous humor and often aren't connected to tear duct health or function. Thus, the situation of excessive tearing serves as a clear indicator