Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes - Newton MA | Dr. Kian Patel
Safe, reversible tear duct inserts that help your eyes retain natural moisture for lasting dry eye relief.
Safe & Reversible
Can be easily removed if needed
86% Retention
High success rates in clinical studies
Quick Procedure
Painless insertion in minutes
What Are Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts (puncta) to slow tear drainage. Think of them as tiny stoppers that help your eyes maintain their natural moisture levels.
Your tears normally drain through small openings in the inner corners of your eyelids. By gently blocking these drainage pathways, punctal plugs allow tears to stay on the eye surface longer, providing natural, sustained relief from dry eye symptoms.
The procedure is quick, painless, and completely reversible. Most patients don't even feel the plugs once they're in place.
How Punctal Plugs Work
Block Tear Drainage
Plugs are gently inserted into the puncta (tear duct openings) to create a physical barrier.
Retain Moisture
Tears accumulate on the eye surface instead of draining away, keeping eyes naturally lubricated.
Lasting Relief
Continuous tear retention provides all-day comfort and improved eye health.
Types of Punctal Plugs
We offer different types to match your specific needs
Temporary (Dissolvable) Plugs
Trial period to test effectiveness
Made from collagen or similar biocompatible materials that naturally dissolve over time (typically 3-6 months).
Best For:
- • First-time punctal plug users
- • Testing if plugs will help your symptoms
- • Seasonal dry eye relief
- • Post-surgical eye care
Advantages:
- ✓ No removal needed
- ✓ Natural dissolution
- ✓ Trial option before permanent
Semi-Permanent Plugs
Long-lasting relief, removable when needed
Made from silicone or other durable materials designed to stay in place indefinitely while remaining fully removable.
Best For:
- • Chronic dry eye disease
- • Successful trial with temporary plugs
- • Aqueous deficient dry eye
- • Long-term moisture retention
Advantages:
- ✓ Long-lasting results
- ✓ Fully reversible
- ✓ Cost-effective over time
Proven Clinical Results
Meta-analysis of 17 studies with 1,658 patients1
Plug retention rate
Success rate in symptom relief
Improved tear production & breakup time
1Chen X, et al. Efficacy and safety of punctal plugs in dry eye disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2025;132(1):45-58.
Who Benefits from Punctal Plugs?
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
When your eyes don't produce enough tears (watery component). Punctal plugs conserve what little tears you produce.
Moderate to Severe Dry Eye
Particularly effective for patients with insufficient tear production who haven't responded to artificial tears alone.
Post-LASIK or Refractive Surgery
Common temporary dry eye after eye surgery responds well to punctal occlusion.
Sjögren's Syndrome
Autoimmune condition causing severe dry eyes benefits from tear conservation.
Medication-Induced Dry Eye
Certain medications reduce tear production; plugs help compensate.
Symptoms We Address
Chronic Dryness
Persistent dry, gritty sensation that doesn't improve with drops
Blurred Vision
Vision fluctuations due to unstable tear film
Burning & Stinging
Irritation from insufficient tear coverage
Light Sensitivity
Increased photophobia due to dry eye inflammation
Excessive Watering
Reflex tearing triggered by chronic dryness
Contact Lens Discomfort
Difficulty wearing contacts due to insufficient tears
The Procedure
Quick, comfortable, and painless insertion
Evaluation
Dr. Patel examines your tear ducts and assesses dry eye severity to determine the best plug type.
Numbing
Topical anesthetic eye drops are applied for maximum comfort. You won't feel any pain.
Insertion
The tiny plug is gently placed into the punctum (tear duct opening). Takes just seconds per eye.
Immediate Relief
Most patients notice improved comfort within hours. Full benefits develop over the next few days.
Total Time: 10-15 Minutes
The entire process is quick and comfortable. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after insertion.
During & After Insertion
- ✓ No pain or discomfort during procedure
- ✓ Can't see or feel plugs once in place
- ✓ Immediate return to normal activities
- ✓ May notice increased tearing initially (normal)
Long-Term Care
- ✓ Plugs remain in place without maintenance
- ✓ Regular check-ups to monitor effectiveness
- ✓ Can be removed if excessive tearing occurs
- ✓ Compatible with all other dry eye treatments
Expected Outcomes
- ✓ Reduced dependence on artificial tears
- ✓ More stable tear film throughout day
- ✓ Improved comfort and vision quality
- ✓ Better tolerance for contact lenses
Related Treatments
Dry Eye Assessment
Comprehensive diagnostic testing to identify the root causes of your symptoms.
NuLids PRO Therapy
Gentle eyelid exfoliation and stimulation for blepharitis and MGD relief.
Scleral Lenses
Custom protective lenses creating a fluid reservoir for corneal disease and dry eye.
Lumenis OptiLight IPL
FDA-approved light therapy targeting inflammation and restoring meibomian gland function.
Ready to Find Relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel to determine if punctal plugs are the right solution for your dry eye symptoms.