What Are Punctal Plugs and How Do They Work?

Dry, irritated eyes are a common complaint among patients of all ages. If artificial tears only provide short-term relief or you find yourself using eye drops multiple times a day, you may be dealing with chronic dry eye. One effective treatment option your eye doctor may recommend is punctal plugs.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining clear vision, keeping the eye surface healthy, and providing comfort throughout the day. When tear balance is disrupted, symptoms can include:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness or irritation

• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Blurry vision that improves with blinking

Dry eye can be caused by aging, meibomian gland dysfunction, screen use, certain medications, environmental factors, or underlying health conditions.

What Are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices placed into the tear drainage ducts of the eyes, known as puncta. These ducts normally allow tears to drain away from the surface of the eye. By partially or completely blocking the drainage system, punctal plugs help keep natural tears on the eye longer. They are typically made of silicone or a temporary, dissolvable material and are so small that most patients do not feel them once they are in place.

How Do Punctal Plugs Work for Dry Eye Relief?

In a healthy eye, tears are continuously produced and drained. For people with dry eye, tears drain away too quickly, leaving the eyes dry and uncomfortable. Punctal plugs slow down this drainage process.

By retaining tears on the surface of the eye, punctal plugs help improve moisture levels, enhance tear stability, and reduce dryness-related symptoms. The procedure is quick, painless, and performed right in the eye doctor’s office.

Benefits of Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs offer several advantages for patients struggling with dry eye, including:

• Long-lasting relief without frequent eye drop use

• Improved eye comfort throughout the day

• Better visual clarity by maintaining a healthy tear film

• Non-surgical and reversible treatment option

• Can be used alongside other dry eye therapies

For many patients, punctal plugs provide consistent relief when other treatments alone are not enough.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye can significantly impact your comfort and quality of life, but effective solutions are available. Punctal plugs are a simple, safe, and effective way to help your eyes retain natural moisture and reduce ongoing irritation.

If you’re experiencing dry, irritated eyes and want to learn whether punctal plugs are right for you, contact Eyecare Center of Wethersfield to schedule a dry eye evaluation today. Visit our office in Wethersfield, Connecticut, or call (860) 905-0086 to book an appointment.