What Are Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs (also called tear duct plugs) are tiny devices placed in the punctum, the small opening where tears drain from the eye into the nose. By partially or fully closing that drainage point, tears stay on the eye’s surface longer, keeping it lubricated for extended periods.
The idea is simple and effective: if your eye isn’t producing enough tears, holding on to what it does produce makes a real difference in comfort. Think of it like putting a stopper in a sink drain so the water doesn’t run out so fast.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye (low tear production)
- Dry eye linked to aging or certain medications
- Sjögren’s syndrome and other causes of low tear production
- As a complement to other treatments when lubrication alone isn’t enough
Your specialist confirms whether punctal plugs are right for you based on the type of dry eye identified during the diagnosis at the Dry Eye Spa.
Temporary or Permanent
- Temporary: made of a material that dissolves on its own over weeks or months. Useful for testing whether the treatment helps before committing to a permanent option.
- Permanent: made of silicone, they stay in place long-term and can be removed if needed.
In select cases, a surgical alternative exists, cauterizing the punctum, for a permanent closure.
What to Expect During Placement
- Anesthetic eye drop applied to the eye.
- The plug is placed in the punctum, taking just seconds.
- You’re free to go immediately, no special aftercare needed.
It’s painless, takes just a few minutes, and requires no incisions or downtime. You can go right back to your normal activities.
Why Choose Centro Láser for Punctal Plugs
At Centro Láser, punctal plugs are prescribed as part of the Dry Eye Spa, based on a diagnosis that precisely distinguishes aqueous-deficient dry eye from evaporative dry eye, so we make sure it’s the right treatment for your case. We combine them with thermal therapy, IPL treatment, and lubrication as part of a complete ocular surface care plan.
