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Punctal Plugs

Wendy Toogood

Wendy Toogood

A community member is wondering if punctal plugs work. Please share your experience with these plugs, whether they were permanent or temporary, and how successful they were for you. You can also read about another community member's experience with punctal plugs: https://chronicdryeye.net/living/punctal-plugs/?utm_source=punctalmain - Wendy, Advocate.

  1. Ava Meena

    Ava Meena Moderator

    I have found some relief with punctal plugs. I first tried them four years ago. A doctor placed some temporary ones and I felt they were just too confusing - were they working? Were they still in my eyes after a few weeks? I just didn't know.


    So then I had a doctor place permanent plugs. It was a little bit uncomfortable at first and took about a week to get used to, but they helped. They were just one part of my treatment plan, however. I don't feel like they would have been enough on their own.


    After a year, I lost one of the plugs while swimming. Three years in, I lost a different one - actually, I lost it twice. Not really sure what happened there. But I'm happy with them and I do think they help me not lose my tears so quickly. Plus, they have the benefit of not needing regular attention, unlike eye drops that I have to constantly put in or masks that have to be applied often.


    Hope this helps! -Ava, chronicdryeye.net team

    1. Wendy Toogood

      Wendy Toogood Moderator

      thanks for this detailed reply. I'm sure it will help the community members who have been asking to hear about personal experiences with the plugs. Wendy, Advocate.

  2. Ava Meena

    Ava Meena Moderator

    You're very welcome! -Ava, chronicdryeye.net team

    1. Jojo Lion

      Jojo Lion

      Hi,
      Yes Ive tried both the temporary and permanent plugs. For me, they didnt really make a difference. I couldnt even tell if a plug popped out or not until I was told at the next eye exam. My go to treatment is a humidifier and overnight eye gel.

      1. Sharon Moore

        Sharon Moore Moderator

        Thank you for sharing your experience with the punctal plugs. I use eye gel at night also with good success. I have been debating the use of a humidifier for sometime now. Best wishes, Sharon Moore Team member

      2. RHall

        RHall Admin

        Sorry that the punctal plugs didn't work. It's so interesting with dry eye how widely the remedies vary for everyone. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. One of our community dry eye advocates also uses eye gel, Manuka Honey Eye gel and finds it helps. (https://chronicdryeye.net/living/honey) - Reggie, ChronicDryEye.net team member

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