Punctal plugs are tiny devices placed in the tear duct openings to slow tear drainage. They help keep natural tears and drops on the eye longer for people with dry eye.
Different plug types
Plugs vary in material, size, and how long they last. Your clinician chooses a design that suits your eye and symptoms.
- Temporary dissolvable plugs test whether blockage gives relief
- Silicone or acrylic plugs provide longer-lasting blockage
- Some sit at the surface and are visible as tiny caps
- Intracanalicular plugs sit deeper and are usually not seen
Who may benefit
Punctal plugs are often used when drops alone are not enough. They can be combined with other dry eye treatments.
- Suitable for evaporative or watery-but-dry eyes where tears drain too quickly
- Helpful for people using frequent lubricant drops or with drop intolerance
- May support comfort in autoimmune or post-surgical dry eye
- Removal is usually simple if watering, infection, or irritation occurs
