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Warm compresses that keep the oil glands flowing between visits.
In-Office Treatments / Tear Retention
Punctal Plugs Treatment
Punctal plugs are tiny devices, about the size of a grain of rice, that a doctor places in the eye's tear ducts to stop tears from draining away too quickly. The aim is to keep the surface of the eye moist and more comfortable. Here is how they work, who they suit, and how to find a provider.
Key takeaways
- Punctal plugs are tiny devices placed in the eye's tear ducts, the small openings at the inner corner of the lids that drain tears away.
- About the size of a grain of rice, a plug stops fluid from draining, so your own tears stay on the surface longer.
- The aim is to keep the eye's surface moist and more comfortable, which can ease itchy, burning or red eyes for some people.
- They are usually considered when artificial tears or other eye drops have not relieved dry eye symptoms; a doctor decides whether they are right for you.
Quick answer
What are punctal plugs?
Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are placed in the eye's tear ducts. About the size of a grain of rice, the plug stops fluid from draining from the eye. The aim is to keep the eye's surface moist and more comfortable, which can ease itchy, burning or red eyes for some people. They are placed in the office by an eye care professional.
How punctal plugs work
Keeping your own tears on the eye longer
Tears normally drain through two small openings, called puncta, at the inner corner of each eyelid. When the eye does not make enough tears, or they evaporate quickly, slowing drainage lets what you do make stay on the surface longer. A plug placed in the punctum does exactly that, which is meant to keep the surface moist and more comfortable.
Are punctal plugs for you?
A next step when drops alone have not been enough
If artificial tears or other eye drops have not relieved your dry eye symptoms, talk to a dry eye specialist. They may recommend trying punctal plugs. Plugs come in temporary and longer-lasting types, and your doctor chooses the type after an exam, based on your kind of dry eye.
What to Expect
Placement is quick and done in the exam chair.
- Where it is doneIn the office, by an eye care professional.
- SizeAbout the size of a grain of rice.
- What is placedA plug in the tear duct opening of the lower lid, upper lid, or both, per your doctor's plan.
- Temporary or longer lastingPlugs come in both types; your doctor chooses after an exam.
- At home afterwardKeep using the drops and lid care your doctor recommends; plugs help tears stay, they do not replace them.
The Home Care Plugs Work Alongside
Eye Drops
Artificial tears for everyday comfort, whatever else your plan includes.
Lid Cleansers
Daily lid hygiene that supports a calmer lid margin.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
Plugs make every drop count
Because plugs slow drainage, the drops you use stay on the eye longer too. A preservative-free lubricant is the usual pairing, since it can be used as often as your doctor advises without preservative buildup.
Find a Provider Who Offers Punctal Plugs
Punctal Plugs is available only through an eye care professional. Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 providers. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Related guides
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Imaging that maps your tear film and oil glands so treatment can target the real cause.
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In office
Dry Eye Testing and In-Office Treatments
Every test and in-office treatment offered across our network.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What are punctal plugs?
Tiny devices, about the size of a grain of rice, that a doctor places in the eye's tear ducts to stop fluid from draining from the eye, helping keep the surface moist and comfortable.
How do they help dry eye?
By slowing tear drainage, your own tears and any drops you use stay on the eye longer, which can relieve itchy, burning and red eyes.
Who should consider punctal plugs?
People whose dry eye symptoms have not been relieved by artificial tears or other eye drops. A dry eye specialist can tell you whether plugs suit your type of dry eye.
Does placement hurt?
Placement is quick and done in the office. Tell your provider if anything is uncomfortable.
Are they permanent?
Plugs come in temporary and longer-lasting types. Your doctor chooses the type after an exam and can remove a plug if needed.
Where can I get punctal plugs?
Only through an eye care professional. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find a provider near you.
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional. The procedure described here is performed in an office by a licensed professional, individual results vary, and only a doctor can determine whether it is appropriate for you. Talk with your provider about intended use, candidacy and risks. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dry Eye Rescue connects patients with independent eye care professionals who may offer this treatment and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any device manufacturer. Product and brand names referenced on this site are trademarks of their respective owners.
