Punctal Plugs in Santa Monica
Helping your natural tears stay where they belong. Punctal plugs are a quick, noninvasive way to keep the surface of your eye moist and comfortable.
What are punctal plugs?
The puncta are tiny openings in the inner corners of your eyelids that drain tears away from the eye. Punctal plugs are small medical devices, smaller than a grain of rice, placed in these openings to slow drainage.
By keeping your own tears on the eye longer, plugs can relieve itching, burning and redness. They can be used on their own or alongside other dry eye treatments.
Temporary and long-lasting plugs
Your doctor will recommend the type that fits your needs.
- Temporary collagen plugs dissolve on their own, lasting from a few days to several months depending on the type
- Longer-lasting silicone plugs stay in place until your doctor removes them
The procedure
Placement takes just a few minutes in the office and does not require surgery. Most patients feel little or nothing, and you can return to normal activities right away.
Temporary plugs are often used to keep the eye moist after refractive surgery, or as a trial to see how well plugs help before choosing a longer-lasting option.
Questions, answered
Will I feel the plugs?
Most people do not feel them once they are in place. If one feels irritating, let us know so we can check the fit.
Can punctal plugs be removed?
Yes. Silicone plugs can be removed by your doctor at any time, and collagen plugs dissolve on their own.
Could plugs make my eyes too watery?
Occasionally. If you notice excess tearing, your doctor can adjust or remove the plugs.