Punctal Plugs

Relief from Dry, Irritated Eyes

If your eyes constantly feel dry, itchy, gritty, or irritated—even with frequent use of artificial tears—you may be dealing with chronic dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do make evaporate too quickly or lack the proper composition to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
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At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we offer a variety of dry eye treatments, including punctal plugs—a safe, minimally invasive solution that helps your eyes retain more natural moisture.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, including:

• Reduced tear production with age
  
  

• Inflammation or dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which produce the protective oil layer of your tears
  
  

• Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or air conditioning
  
  

• Extended screen use and decreased blinking
  
  

• Hormonal changes or certain medications
  
  

• Underlying health conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome
  
  

When tear quantity or quality is compromised, the surface of the eye becomes vulnerable to dryness, discomfort, and even damage. That’s where punctal plugs can help.

What Are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices placed into the tear drainage ducts (called puncta) of the eyelids. These ducts are responsible for draining tears from your eyes into your nasal passages. By gently blocking these drainage points, punctal plugs help retain more of your natural tears on the surface of the eye, improving lubrication and reducing symptoms like burning, itching, redness, and the need for constant eye drops.
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Most punctal plugs are smaller than a grain of rice, and the insertion process is quick, painless, and performed right in our office.

Types of Punctal Plugs

There are two main types of punctal plugs used to treat dry eye:

Temporary Punctal Plugs

Made of dissolvable collagen, these plugs are designed to naturally break down over time—typically lasting anywhere from a few days to six months. Temporary plugs are often used:

• As a trial to determine if punctal occlusion will be effective
  
  

• After LASIK or other refractive surgeries to help retain moisture during healing
  
  

• For short-term dry eye relief during allergy season or medication use
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Semi-Permanent Punctal Plugs

Constructed from medical-grade materials like silicone, semi-permanent plugs are designed to stay in place for months or even years. They are ideal for long-term dry eye management and can be easily removed by your optometrist if necessary. These plugs sit comfortably at the surface of the puncta and are typically not felt by the patient after insertion.
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Benefits of Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs offer a number of advantages for dry eye patients, including:

• Longer-lasting moisture and tear retention
  
  

• Reduced dependence on artificial tears or lubricating drops
  
  

• Improved comfort during screen time or in dry environments
  
  

• Non-surgical and reversible
  
  

• Minimal to no downtime
  
  

For many patients, punctal plugs significantly improve daily comfort and quality of life—especially when other dry eye treatments have fallen short

Are Punctal Plugs Right for Me?

If you’ve been frustrated by dry, burning, or irritated eyes and are tired of relying on constant eye drops, punctal plugs may be a great next step. Your optometrist at Optic Gallery Fort Apache will conduct a thorough dry eye evaluation to determine whether punctal occlusion is the right option for you.

​​​​​​​This simple and effective treatment could make a big difference in how your eyes feel throughout the day.

Schedule a dry eye consultation today to learn more about punctal plugs and your personalized treatment options. At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we’re here to help you see clearly and feel comfortable—every step of the way.