Punctal Plugs

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny devices made from collagen material that are placed in the eye’s tear ducts (called puncta). Puncta are the tiny openings that drain tears from your eyes. About the size of a grain of rice, the plug stops fluid from draining from the eye. This helps keep the eye’s surface moist and comfortable, relieving itchy, burning and red eyes.

These plugs are dissolvable and generally lasts for 90 days.

TREATMENT

First your eye doctor will examine your eye to figure out the best type and size plug for your needs. Your doctor may numb your tear ducts with anesthesia. In some cases, you may not need to have your eyes numbed. You may feel some pressure as the punctal plug is placed in your eyelid. After the plugs are inserted, you are usually able to return to your normal activities right away.