Your eyes need a healthy and stable tear film to function smoothly and comfortably. If your tears evaporate or drain too quickly, it can result in chronic eye dryness.

If your tears aren’t staying on your eye’s surface for long enough, your ophthalmologist may recommend punctual occlusion.

in ​LOCATION1 provides patients with a wide range of effective dry eye treatments, including punctal occlusion.

What is Punctal Occlusion?

Punctal occlusion, also referred to as punctal plugs, treats dry eye symptoms by blocking the ducts that drain the tears away from the eye.

During this procedure, your eye doctor inserts plugs in the puncta, the small holes in the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids. With the puncta blocked, your tears will remain on your eye’s surface for longer, reducing or eliminating your dry eye symptoms.

Temporary Vs. Permanent Punctal Occlusion

There are two types of plugs that can be used during this procedure:

• Temporary plugs that are made of collagen. These will dissolve within one week.
• Permanent or semi-permanent plugs made of silicone will remain in place until your eye doctor removes them.

If your dry eye symptoms are short-term (i.e. following LASIK or refractive eye surgery) your eye doctor may recommend temporary punctal plugs as treatment until your eyes recover. Dissolving punctual plugs can also be useful as a test run to see whether punctal plugs will work for you.

How is Punctual Occlusion Done?

Before the procedure, your eye doctor will determine the size and shape of your ducts. This will help decide which type of plug to use.

Punctal occlusion is performed in your ophthalmologist’s office following an eye examination. The eye doctor will apply topical anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Then, the plug will be inserted into either one or both of the puncta in each eye.

There is usually little to no discomfort during and after the insertion, and you’ll be able to quickly return to your normal routine.

Does Puntal Occlusion Work?

Yes! Punctual plugs have been found to be about 94% effective in reducing symptoms in patients with dry eye, according to a 2003 study published in Cornea.

In fact, 77% of patients in the study reported no symptoms at all eight weeks after the plugs were inserted.

Punctal Occlusion and Dry Eye Treatment in LOCATION1

If your dry eyes have been giving you trouble, we can help.

To schedule your consultation, call in LOCATION1 today!

Our practice serves patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, and surrounding communities.