What is Punctual Occlusion?
At times, the need for artificial tears can interrupt daily life and create a problem with patient compliance. Many times a patient becomes tired of using frequent eye drops throughout the day and ointments before bed. Patients requiring treatment but wanting relief from frequent drops are candidates for “Punctal Plugs”. As the name suggests, Punctal plugs occlude (block) the punctum, or tear duct, which carries tears and debris away from the surface of the eye. There are upper and lower punctum ducts in the inner corner of each eye. Blocking these drainage ducts prevents tears from draining away too quickly. Punctal occlusion can be compared to putting a stopper in a sink drain. Although delicate, this specialized procedure is safe, quick, and totally reversible. Punctal occluders are made of a very soft flexible silicone, carefully manufactured into an extremely smooth and precise design. Our doctors utilize the “Parasol” Punctal Plugs from Odyssey Medical. Parasol plugs are one of t
