A punctal plug (or punctual plug) is a small medical device that is inserted into the tear duct (puncta) of an eye to block the duct. This prevents the drainage of liquid from the eye. They are used to treat dry eye.

A temporary punctal occlusion can be inserted and tried first.^[1][2] These are made of collagen and are dissolvable.^[1][2] This is to ascertain that permanent ones will not cause excessive tearing.^[2]

Permanent punctal plugs are usually made of silicone.^[2] Some plugs are made of thermally reactive material.^[2] Some of these are inserted into the punctum as a liquid and then they harden and conform to the individual's drainage system.^[2] Others start out rigid and become soft and flexible, adapting to the individual's punctal size after they are inserted.^[2]

Artificial tears are usually still required after punctal plug insertion.^[2]

[edit] Risks

The risks of punctal plugs are fairly small.^[2] There is a risk of eye irritation, excessive tearing, and, in rare cases, infection.^[2]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Image^{[dead link]} demonstrating use
• Punctal plugs in refractive eye surgery
• Pros and cons of punctal plugs
• Punctal plugs and Intracanalicular plugs