punctal plugs
No bigger than a grain of rice, Punctal Plugs are inserted into your tear ducts to block excessive tear drainage that causes dryness. This simple procedure is typically recommended when prescription and nonprescription eye drops aren’t effectively treating your symptoms. There are two types of punctal plugs we use for treating excessive tear drainage, each biocompatible with your body’s natural make up.
Temporary (Dissolvable) Plugs are inserted into the lower eyelids, and in some cases, the upper eyelids. These are designed to temporarily block drainage and increase tear production for patients who may not be a candidate for permanent plugs. This allows us to measure tear production to determine if Permanent Plugs would be beneficial. If not, Temporary Plugs have been proven effective for longer-lasting results.
Permanent Plugs are non-dissolvable and usually made of silicone. If temporary plugs are proven effective, and a patient is a candidate, Permanent Plugs are often inserted. Patients with particularly bothersome Dry Eyes often discover Permanent Plugs make their eyes feel more comfortable and reduce the need for artificial tears.
Which Dry Eye Treatment Is Best? This depends on your condition and diagnosis. Our specialty doctors can pinpoint the advantages of one or more treatments related to your condition, help you understand why a treatment is prescribed and how it works.