Punctal Plugs
What are Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs are silicone devices inserted into the tear ducts of our eyelids. These tiny devices are gentle and smaller than a grain of rice. They are used to block our tears from draining too quickly, which helps maintain the moisture layer of our eyes. Punctal plugs are an excellent treatment choice when there's an issue with tear quality, if we have large-sized tear ducts, or if our tear glands don't produce enough tears to keep the eyes from drying out. This mechanism relieves Dry Eye Disease by enabling the surface of our eyes to hold onto our tears and retain moisture for a longer duration.
The Procedure
The insertion process is relatively quick and simple. A numbing drop will be instilled to help minimize any discomfort. An applicator tool is used to place the plug into the lower lid of your eyelid. During this time, you might feel a slight tug, but it's painless. After the plug has been inserted, you’ll be asked to blink a few times to make sure they are secure. The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes and then you’ll be ready to resume your normal daily activities.
Types of Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are made from biocompatible material and can be semi-permanent or temporary.
The semi-permanent plug is made of a long-lasting silicone material. It has a transparent, low-profile cap that rests on the top of the duct opening with a flexible silicone body to ensure comfort.
The extended-duration plug is made of a dissolvable material that lasts up to 3 months before it is naturally absorbed by the body. It is capless as it rests completely inside the tear duct.
Temporary plugs are typically used as a post-LASIK technique to prevent side effects of Dry Eye and can sometimes be used to determine whether plugs may be right for the patient before applying the semi-permanent option.
Are Punctal Plugs Right For You?
Punctal plugs can add great value to a Dry Eye treatment regimen for tear film related causes of Dry Eyes. Set up your consultation to learn about your tear film quality and the treatment plan that will work best for your case.