Punctal Plugs

Punctal Plugs: Helping Your Eyes Retain Moisture

When Eye Drops Aren’t Enough

Burning, grittiness, and irritation can occur when your eyes don’t have enough moisture to stay comfortable. At Liberty Eyecare’s dry eye clinic, we offer punctal plugs as part of a personalized approach to managing dry eye, particularly when low tear volume contributes to your symptoms.

What Are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are tiny inserts placed into the small tear drainage openings near the inner corners of your eyelids. By slowing tear drainage, they help keep your natural tears—and lubricating eye drops—on the surface of your eyes longer.
Some plugs dissolve over time, while others are designed for longer-term use and can be removed by your doctor if needed. Your doctor will recommend the type best suited to your needs.

What to Expect

Punctal plug placement is a brief, in-office procedure. Your doctor selects the appropriate size and carefully inserts the plugs into the drainage openings. Numbing drops may be used for comfort, and most patients can return to their usual activities afterward.

Your doctor will monitor your comfort and response to treatment. Occasionally, plugs can fall out or cause irritation or excess watering, so let our team know if you notice any changes.
Results vary, and you may still need eye drops or other dry eye treatments.

Are Punctal Plugs Right for You?

A dedicated dry eye evaluation is the first step. We assess your tear film, eyelid glands, and eye health to determine whether retaining more moisture could help relieve your symptoms.
If inflammation or eyelid gland dysfunction is contributing to your dry eye, your doctor may recommend treating those concerns before or alongside punctal plug placement.

Explore Your Options for Dry Eye Relief

You don’t have to settle for ongoing discomfort. Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Liberty Eyecare’s dry eye clinic in West Chester to learn whether punctal plugs could be part of your treatment plan.