Dry Eyes

Aetna covers autologous serum tears, measurement of tear osmolarity, punctal plugs (including replacement of dissolvable with semi‑permanent plugs) and punctoplasty — and allows a one‑week dissolvable collagen plug trial — for severe dry eye only after failure of conservative measures (≥2‑week trial of artificial tears, ophthalmic cyclosporine when indicated, medication adjustment) with documented objective lacrimal gland deficiency or corneal decompensation. Aetna excludes as experimental/investigational conjunctival Nod‑1 testing, MMP‑9 immunoassay (InflammaDry), tear lactoferrin, tear film biomarkers for Sjögren vs non‑Sjögren, and punctal occlusion for contact lens intolerance or other non‑specified indications.

"Other evolving/emerging therapies mentioned as therapeutic options or under study: acupuncture, botulinum toxin type A for intractable DED, salivary gland transplantation (minor salivary gland auto..."