Tear duct plugs
punctal plugs · tear duct plugs · lacrimal plugs · plugs for dry eye
The doctor places tiny plugs in the openings that drain tears into the nose. Tears stay on the eye longer.
For dry eyes, when drops do not help enough.
⏱ Duration: the procedure usually takes 10 to 15 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Makeup. Come without eye makeup.
- Drops. Use your drops as usual and tell the doctor which ones.
What to bring
- Your ID
- The drops you use
- Sunglasses
How it goes
- The doctor puts in numbing drops
- The tear duct openings are checked under a microscope
- Sometimes the opening is gently widened
- A plug is inserted with tweezers
- The doctor checks that the plug sits correctly
What you'll feel
- It usually does not hurt
- Light pressure in the corner of the eye
- You may feel the plug for the first few days, then you get used to it
Afterwards
- You can go back to your normal day right away
- Do not rub the corners of your eyes
- If the plug bothers you or falls out, tell your doctor
- Checkups as your doctor plans
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Heavy tearing
- Redness, swelling, or pus in the corner of the eye
- Pain in the corner of the eye
Common questions
Will the plugs stay forever?
Some are temporary and dissolve, others are long-term. The doctor will choose.
Can they be removed?
Yes, long-term plugs can usually be removed.