21 CFR §886.4155
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Identification. A scleral plug is a prescription device intended to provide temporary closure of a scleral incision during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. These plugs prevent intraocular fluid and pressure loss when instruments are withdrawn from the eye. Scleral plugs include a head portion remaining above the sclera, which can be gripped for insertion and removal, and a shaft that fits inside the scleral incision. Scleral plugs are removed before completing the surgery.
- (b)Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for the scleral plug are as follows:
- (1)The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 886.9 if the material is a surgical grade stainless steel with or without a gold, silver, or titanium coating. The special controls for the surgical grade stainless steel scleral plug (with or without a gold, silver, or titanium coating) are:
- (i)The device must be demonstrated to be sterile during the labeled shelf life;
- (ii)The device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible; and
- (iii)Labeling must include all information required for the safe and effective use of the device, including specific instructions regarding the proper sizing, placement, and removal of the device.
- (2)The device is not exempt from premarket notification procedures if it is composed of a material other than surgical grade stainless steel (with or without a gold, silver, or titanium coating). The special controls for scleral plugs made of other materials are:
- (i)The device must be demonstrated to be sterile during the labeled shelf life;
- (ii)The device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
- (iii)Characterization of the device materials must be performed;
- (iv)Performance data must demonstrate acceptable mechanical properties under simulated clinical use conditions including insertion and removal of the device;
- (v)Performance data must demonstrate adequately low levels of the extractables or residues from manufacturing (or processing) of the device; and
- (vi)Labeling must include all information required for the safe and effective use of the device, including specific instructions regarding the proper sizing, placement, and removal of the device.
- (1)The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 886.9 if the material is a surgical grade stainless steel with or without a gold, silver, or titanium coating. The special controls for the surgical grade stainless steel scleral plug (with or without a gold, silver, or titanium coating) are: