Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny devices (smaller than a grain of rice) that are placed in the eyes' tear ducts (called puncti). The puncti are small openings that function to drain tears from your eyes. When the plug slows down how fast fluid drains from the eyes it allows the surface of the eye to stay moist and comfortable; relieving itchy, burning and dry eyes.

There are 2 types of plugs:
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1. Temporary: These plugs are made of a material (such as collagen) that is gradually broken down. These plugs usually last in the eye a few days to a week. Temporary plugs are often used to keep the eye moist after having refractive surgery, such as LASIK. They are also used when you want to try out punctal plugs to see if they help relieve your dry eye.

2. Semi-permanent: These are made of a longer-lasting medical plastic (such as silicone). These plugs are designed to stay in the eye for 3-6 months.

This treatment is indicated for patients with chronic dry eye, aqueous deficient dry eye, post-refractive surgery, and very important to use once inflammation is under control.

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