Punctal plugs are tiny devices that healthcare providers can insert into the puncta, which are the small openings that drain tear fluid from your eyes. These plugs slow or stop tear fluid drainage, reducing or preventing dryness in your eyes. They can work as a treatment on their own or enhance the effectiveness of other treatments1. Think of them like the drain stoppers in a bathtub: they sit in the tear ducts, blocking the channel that drains liquid from the eye. Instead of escaping, the fluid stays on the surface of the eye, maintaining lubrication throughout the day2. So, in a nutshell, punctal plugs help keep your eyes moist and comfortable, relieving symptoms like itchiness, burning, and redness.
