Dry Eye Treatment
Punctal Plugs
Tear Conservation
Need punctal plugs dry eye? Our Dry Eye Spa helps you get to the cause of your symptoms and build a plan that lasts. We take time to explain your options and recommend what fits your eyes and your routine.
- Find the root cause of your symptoms
- Advanced options like Radio Frequency, IPL, BlephEx, and more
- A clear plan that fits your day
Quick Summary
- Tiny silicone or collagen plugs inserted into tear ducts to keep natural tears on the eye longer
- Quick, painless in-office procedure — most patients need no anesthesia
- Can provide immediate relief for aqueous-deficient dry eye
- Part of the CVC Dry Eye Spa — Kennesaw and East Cobb/Marietta
Last reviewed:
The Science
How Punctal Plugs Work
Your eyes have four puncta, tiny openings in the inner corners of your upper and lower eyelids. These drainage channels normally carry tears away from your eye surface into your nasal passages. When you have aqueous-deficient dry eye, your lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears, and the tears you do make drain away too quickly. Punctal plugs gently block one or more of these drainage channels, allowing your natural tears to stay on your eye longer. Think of it like putting a stopper in a drain to keep water in a sink.
Conserves Natural Tears
By blocking drainage, your own tears stay on your eyes longer, providing natural lubrication and nutrients.
Reduces Drop Dependence
Many patients need fewer artificial tears after plug insertion, and some eliminate drops entirely.
Completely Reversible
Plugs can be easily removed at any time if needed. Temporary plugs dissolve on their own.
Your Options
Types of Punctal Plugs We Offer
Temporary (Dissolvable) Plugs
Made of collagen that slowly dissolves over 3-6 months. Perfect for:
- • Trying plugs before committing to permanent ones
- • Post-LASIK dry eye (temporary condition)
- • Seasonal dry eye flare-ups
Semi-Permanent (Silicone) Plugs
Tiny silicone plugs that sit in the puncta long-term but can be removed anytime. Ideal for:
- • Chronic dry eye requiring ongoing management
- • Patients who responded well to temporary plugs
- • Long-term tear conservation
Intracanalicular Plugs
Inserted deeper into the tear duct, invisible from outside. Great for:
- • Patients who prefer invisible treatment
- • Those who have lost surface plugs in the past
- • Cosmetic preference
The Procedure
Less than 5 minutes total
Numbing drops only (no injections)
You may feel slight pressure, but no pain
Return to normal activities immediately
Many patients notice improvement within hours
Ideal Candidates
Who Benefits from Punctal Plugs?
Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye
Your eyes don't produce enough tears. Plugs help maximize what you have.
Sjögren's Syndrome
Autoimmune condition affecting tear glands. Plugs are a cornerstone of treatment.
Post-LASIK Dry Eye
Temporary plugs provide relief during the healing period.
Contact Lens Intolerance
Improved tear film can help you wear contacts comfortably again.
Tired of Eye Drops
If you're using artificial tears 4+ times daily, plugs may reduce that burden.
Office Workers
Heavy screen use combined with air conditioning creates dry eye. Plugs help.
Important Note
Punctal plugs work best for aqueous-deficient dry eye (not enough tear production). If your dry eye is evaporative (tears evaporate too quickly due to meibomian gland dysfunction), treatments like Radio Frequency or IPL may be more effective. During your dry eye evaluation, we'll determine which type you have and recommend the best treatment approach.
Details That Matter
A more helpful guide to Punctal Plugs Tear Conservation
Dry eye is more than an occasional annoyance. If your eyes burn, feel gritty, or fluctuate between blurry and clear, it often means the tear film is not staying stable on the eye. Our goal is to identify what is driving your symptoms and build a plan you can realistically maintain.
For many patients, the fastest improvement comes from pairing the right in-office option with consistent at-home care. We talk through what you have tried, what helped, and what did not. Then we design a step-by-step approach that fits your comfort goals and your schedule.
Quick ways to get more value from your visit
- Tell us when symptoms are worst, such as mornings, afternoons, or during screen time.
- Bring any drops or supplements you have tried so we can build a clearer plan together.
- If you wear contacts, share your wear schedule and comfort level so we can tailor treatment.
- Dry eye is often multi-factorial. A mix of in-office care and at-home habits usually works best.
Common questions
Clear answers help you move forward with confidence.
Is dry eye always a chronic problem?
Dry eye can be ongoing, but symptoms can improve significantly with the right plan. We focus on identifying the drivers, then combining in-office options with sustainable home habits.
Do I have to stop wearing contacts?
Not always. Some people can keep wearing contacts once dryness is better controlled. We will talk about comfortable options and a schedule that protects your eyes.
How do you diagnose the cause?
We evaluate the tear film and eyelids and ask detailed questions about symptoms and triggers. This helps us choose treatments that match what is actually driving your dryness.
How soon might I feel relief?
Some people notice changes quickly, while others improve over several weeks. We will set expectations and adjust your plan based on how your eyes respond.
Related resources
If you are exploring options, these pages can help you compare next steps.
Keep Your Tears Where They Belong
Schedule a dry eye consultation to find out if punctal plugs are right for you.