Method and apparatus for modulating the flow of lacrimal fluid through a punctum and associated canaliculus

A lacrimal fluid modulating device for controlling the flow of the lacrimal fluid through the punctum and associated canaliculus of a human eye comprising:

• a generally cylindrical body member having an axial bore extending from a first, inlet, end of said generally cylindrical body to a second, outlet, end thereof;
• an arcuate head member fashioned at said first end of said generally cylindrical body, said arcuate head member having,
• a bore coaxial with the bore of said generally cylindrical body, and
• the exterior diameter of said arcuate head member being greater than the exterior diameter of said generally cylindrical body member;
• means peripherally fashioned about the exterior surface of said generally cylindrical body member at said second end of said body member, for facilitating placement of said generally cylindrical body member through a punctum of a patient and for retaining said cylindrical body member within an associated canaliculus;
• and
• said axial bore extending completely through said generally cylindrical body member to operably modulate the flow of lacrimal fluid through the punctum and associated canaliculus and thus enhancing the retention of lacrimal fluid within the eye of a patient.