Punctal plugs, also known as punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs or occluders, are a method of treating dry eyes. Punctal plugs can relieve dry eye symptoms when eye drops or ointments fail. Punctal plugs are placed in the opening of the tear duct, reducing the natural drainage of tears and keeping the eyes moist. Punctal plugs can be a temporary or permanent solution to dry eyes.
Typically, a temporary or dissolvable punctal plug is implanted in the lower drainage channel of the eye, which is responsible for 80 percent of the eye's tears. These temporary plugs will usually last a few days to several months. If there is a successful response to the temporary punctal plug, a more permanent punctal plug is implanted.
Punctal plugs come in a few different shapes and sizes, and are no larger than a grain of rice. The plug may be placed in the lower or upper eyelid or both eyelids. Implantation takes only a few seconds in a physician's office.
Southside Eye Care proudly serves Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach Virginia as well as the surrounding areas. For more information on Punctal Plugs call us at 757-484-0101 today or fill out our contact form for more information.
