Potential benefits
- • Increase tear retention
- • Reduce dependence on lubricating drops for some patients
- • Support aqueous-deficient dry eye treatment
Punctal Plugs for dry eye
Small devices placed in tear-drainage openings to help retain tears on the eye surface.
What is Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs partially or fully block the puncta, the small openings that drain tears from the eyes. Temporary and longer-lasting designs are available.
How it works
A clinician selects and inserts a plug into one or more puncta during an office visit. Fit and response are checked afterward.
Risks and limitations
- • Excess tearing, irritation, plug loss, migration, inflammation, or infection can occur
- • Retaining inflammatory tears may worsen symptoms in some cases
- • Results vary and plugs may need removal or replacement
Questions to ask a clinic
What findings from my eye examination support this treatment?
What alternatives should I consider first?
How will we measure whether it is helping?
What will the total treatment and follow-up cost be?
Find local care
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Related treatments
References
- Punctal occlusion for dry eye syndrome — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
- TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report — The Ocular Surface
Last reviewed June 11, 2026. This page is educational and does not provide medical advice. Discuss diagnosis, suitability, risks, and alternatives with a qualified eye-care professional.