Are Tear Duct Plugs Safe

If you visit your eye doctor with complaints of dry eyes you will likely be informed about plugging your tear ducts or punctal occlusion.

Are tear duct plugs safe.

The closure conserves both your own tears and artificial tears you may have added. Some infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. Punctal occlusion is a painless procedure in which the puncta small openings in the corners of the eyes through which tears drain the tear ducts are blocked. The percentages are small but if something happens patients are extremely angry that they weren t told of the risk.

Having tear duct plugs implanted is a very simple and safe procedure with very few potential risks. The plugs are inserted into the tear duct opening. Patients should be properly informed that placement of an intracanalicular plug can permanently scar the tear duct in an irreversible way dr. Punctal plugs sit in the tear ducts to prevent tears draining away.

Plugs that don t fit properly could stick out of the tear duct and rub against the surface of your eye or eyelid. These plugs close the tiny opening punctum that you have in the inner corner of your upper and lower eyelids. Your eye doctor may want to remove the plugs. In severe cases your doctor may have to replace the duct with an artificial one.

Many people will be able to have this procedure covered by their insurance. Sometimes punctal plugs can irritate the tear ducts. The risks include scarring and damage to the tear duct. If you think this is the best way to get rid of your dry eye symptoms schedule an appointment with your eye doctor and ask whether or not that this will work for your individual condition and circumstances.

One approach to treating dry eyes is plugging the openings to the tear ducts with tiny silicone plugs punctal plugs. Punctal plugs are tiny medical devices that sit in the tear ducts in the eyes to help prevent tears draining away which helps to. Eye drops for dry eyes if lifestyle changes and eye drops don t improve your symptoms your eye doctor may recommend punctal plugs.