Punctal Plugs Dry Eyes
Punctal Plugs Dry Eyes
Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices that can be inserted into tear ducts to block drainage. This increases the eye’s tear film and surface moisture to help relieve certain forms of dry eye. Also known as punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs or occluders, these devices often are no larger than a grain of rice.
Punctal plugs usually are considered when non-prescription or prescription eye drops fail to relieve your dry eye condition.
Two general types of tear duct plugs are:
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Semi-Permanent:
typically made of long-lasting materials such as silicone.
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Dissolvable:
made of materials such as collagen that the body eventually absorbs.
Temporary or dissolvable punctal plugs usually last from a few days to as long as several months. These types of plugs would be used in circumstances such as preventing dry eyes after LASIK, if you choose to have refractive surgery.
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Punctal plugs side effects and problems
Excessive tearing (epiphora) and watery eyes can occur when the punctal plug does its job too well. In this case, you may need to visit your eye doctor for removal of the plug or replacement with a different type to better control the amount of tears on your eye.
Eye infections may occur, though rarely, in association with the devices. Canaliculitis results from a rare reaction to punctal plugs, with symptoms such as swelling and yellowish secretions from the tear duct. Such infections may result from upper respiratory infections where blowing the nose under pressure may force germs from the nasal cavity backward into the canaliculus. In these cases, you may need treatment with topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics and/or removal of the punctum plug.
When should punctal plugs be removed?
If you feel discomfort or suspect you have an eye infection or other complication, be sure and notify your eye doctor.
If removal is considered necessary, your eye doctor may use forceps to grasp and extract the plug. Another method of removal involves flushing with a saline solution, which forces the punctal plug to exit into the nose or throat where tear ducts drain.