These plugs are made of materials such as collagen that gradually break down over time. They typically last from a few days to several months. Temporary plugs are often used after procedures like LASIK or when our dry eye doctors want to test whether occluding the tear ducts will relieve your symptoms.

Made from silicone or other durable medical plastics, these plugs are designed to stay in place for a longer duration. They are ideal for chronic dry eye cases and are less likely to be dislodged. In some cases, they need to be removed only if complications arise or if your symptoms change significantly.

Besides these, there are variations where plugs are inserted into a deeper section of the tear drainage system called the canaliculus. Though these tend to be less visible and have a lower risk of extrusion, they might be more challenging to remove if necessary.

Punctal plugs are particularly helpful for:

• Dry Eye Syndrome: If your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or they evaporate too quickly, plugs can help keep moisture where it’s needed.
  
• Excessive Tearing (Epiphora): Surprisingly, watery eyes can sometimes be a sign of dry eye or tear drainage imbalances. Plugs can help regulate this.
  
• Tear Drainage Issues: If your tears drain too quickly or inefficiently, punctal plugs may improve tear retention and overall eye comfort.
  
• Post-Refractive Surgery (LASIK, PRK): After vision correction surgery, temporary plugs can support healing by maintaining eye hydration.

Not everyone is a good candidate. If you have an active eye infection, severe eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), or a sensitivity to the materials used in punctal plugs, this treatment may not be suitable. That’s why we always perform a thorough evaluation first.

Most patients adjust well to punctal plugs, but mild side effects can occur:

• Temporary Irritation: A slight scratchy feeling may happen at first, but it usually fades quickly.
  
• Excess Tearing: Sometimes, tears can build up too much. If this happens, we can adjust or remove the plugs for balance.
  
• Plug Movement or Dislodgment: Rubbing your eyes can sometimes shift or remove the plug, but this is easy to fix.
  
• Minor Inflammation: The tear duct area might become slightly irritated, though this is rare and manageable.
  
• Infection (Rare): Though uncommon, infections can occur. If you notice persistent redness, swelling, or pain, let us know right away.

We’re here to ensure your eyes stay comfortable and healthy. If you have any concerns after getting punctal plugs, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll help find the best solution for you!

When used together with lubricating eye drops or anti-inflammatory medications, punctal plugs can increase the exposure time of these agents on the eye’s surface. This extended exposure helps improve the efficacy of the drops, leading to better results.

After refractive surgeries like LASIK, temporary plugs are sometimes used to prevent dry eye from interfering with healing. These temporary plugs create a protective environment that supports recovery.

For contact lens wearers who experience discomfort due to dry eye, punctal plugs can help stabilize the tear film, making it easier to wear lenses for longer periods.