Anonymous
Participant
Post count: 93172

I had the punctal plugs put in several years ago and they helped keep the eyes moister, which I really liked. There are several types available. The type I had was silicon, with a “head” on the outside to keep the plug from going all the way in the puncta. It rubbed on my eyeball when I blinked, and though I finally got used to it when looking straight ahead, it was never comfortable if my eye was turned another direction when I blinked.

The procedure to put the plugs in is very fast and easy. They don’t stay in indefinitely–perhaps a year or so. In my case they were taken out when I had lid surgery.

Another option is having the puncta cauterized closed. It’s not always permanent either, and can be reversed if necessary. My understanding is that it’s very comfortable, since there’s no plug. I’m going to ask about having this done next time I visit my ophthalmologist.

Hope this helps.
Dianne W
Asst. Online Facilitator, NGDF