Punctal Plugs: Long-Lasting Relief for Dry Eyes

Managing dry eyes can sometimes feel like a constant battle—with discomfort, irritation, and reliance on artificial tears disrupting your day. At Eyecrafters, we offer punctal plugs as an effective treatment option to provide extended relief. Our office uses biodegradable plugs that last up to three months, offering a convenient and effective solution tailored to your needs.

What Are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are small, biocompatible devices placed in the tear ducts (puncta) to help retain natural tears on the eye’s surface. By reducing tear drainage, these plugs enhance moisture retention, providing significant relief for dry eye symptoms.

At Eyecrafters, we use biodegradable punctal plugs, which naturally dissolve over about three months, offering both convenience and comfort without the need for removal.

Who Benefits from Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are ideal for individuals with:

• Chronic Dry Eye Disease: Commonly due to aging, certain medical conditions, or hormonal changes.
• Dryness After Surgery: Such as LASIK, cataract surgery, or other procedures.
• Medication-Induced Dry Eye: Side effects from certain medications can cause persistent dryness.
• Contact Lens Discomfort: Enhanced tear stability can improve comfort when wearing lenses.

If you’ve tried artificial tears or other treatments with limited success, punctal plugs may be a great next step.

The Procedure: Comfortable and Easy

Getting punctal plugs is a quick and simple process, done in the comfort of our office:

1. Assessment: We’ll evaluate your eyes and discuss your symptoms to confirm if punctal plugs are right for you.
2. Insertion: With precision and care, the plugs are gently inserted into the tear ducts. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and doesn’t require anesthesia.
3. Natural Dissolution: Since we use biodegradable plugs, there’s no need for removal—they dissolve naturally after three months.

Patients often report noticeable relief in their symptoms within days of the procedure.

Combining Punctal Plugs with IPL Therapy

For patients with dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), punctal plugs can be combined with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. This powerful combination helps improve tear retention while addressing the root causes of poor tear quality. Together, they provide more comprehensive and lasting relief for dry eye sufferers.

FAQs About Punctal Plugs

Q: What are biodegradable punctal plugs made of? A: Biodegradable plugs are made from materials like collagen or synthetic polymers designed to dissolve safely over time.

Q: Do punctal plugs hurt? A: The insertion process is quick and typically painless. Most patients feel no discomfort during or after the procedure.

Q: How long do biodegradable punctal plugs last? A: The plugs used at our office last about three months before they dissolve naturally.

Q: Can I still use eye drops with punctal plugs? A: Yes! Many patients find that punctal plugs enhance the effectiveness of lubricating drops, reducing the need for frequent application.

Q: Are there any side effects? A: Side effects are rare but may include mild irritation or a sensation of something in the eye, which usually resolves quickly.

Take the First Step Toward Dry Eye Relief

If dry eyes are interfering with your life, punctal plugs could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Schedule a consultation with Eyecrafters today to see if this treatment is right for you.