Punctal Plugs Blackstone Eye Center

Temporary Punctal Plugs for Dry Eye Relief

At BBlackstone Eye Center, we know that chronic dry eye can impact your vision, comfort, and quality of life. For patients who need additional moisture and protection, we may recommend temporary punctal plugs—a simple, effective treatment that helps the eyes stay hydrated.

What Are Temporary Punctal Plugs?

Temporary punctal plugs are tiny, dissolvable devices placed in the tear ducts (puncta) of the eyelids. Their role is to slow tear drainage, allowing your natural tears and any lubricating drops to remain on the surface of your eyes longer. This helps improve comfort and protect the cornea from dryness-related damage.

Because they are temporary, these plugs are designed to dissolve naturally after a few days to a few weeks. This makes them an excellent way to:

Test whether punctal occlusion is beneficial for you
Provide short-term relief during flare-ups of dry eye
Support healing after eye procedures

Benefits of Temporary Punctal Plugs

Quick and Comfortable: The procedure takes only minutes in-office and is virtually painless.
Non-Invasive: No surgery is required—just a small insertion into the tear duct.
Reversible & Dissolvable: The plugs naturally dissolve on their own, making them a safe “trial” option before considering longer-term solutions.
Enhanced Tear Retention: Keeps eyes moist longer, reducing burning, irritation, and redness.

What to Expect During Treatment

A specialist will gently place the plug into the tear duct opening.
Most patients feel little to no sensation after insertion.
The plugs begin working immediately, helping retain moisture and relieve dryness.
Over time, they naturally dissolve, leaving no residue.

✨ A Simple Step Toward Lasting Comfort

Temporary punctal plugs are a safe, effective way to determine whether tear duct occlusion is the right solution for your dry eye. If you experience relief, longer-lasting plugs or other treatments may be considered as part of your personalized care plan.