Are Punctal Plugs Right for You? When to Consider This Dry Eye Treatment

If you live in Southlake, Texas or the surrounding areas and struggle with dry, irritated eyes, you’re not alone. Our local climate, and screen-heavy lifestyles can all contribute to dry eye symptoms that interfere with your daily routine. At Eye Trends Southlake, we offer advanced solutions like punctal plugs to help manage dry eye syndrome and restore your comfort.
 

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness or inflammation

• A gritty or sandy feeling

• Blurred vision

• Watery eyes 
   

These symptoms can be triggered or worsened by environmental conditions, prolonged screen time, aging, medical conditions, meibomian gland dysfunction, or certain medications.
 

What Are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices that are gently inserted into the tear ducts (puncta) located in the corners of your eyelids. Their primary role is to block tear drainage, allowing your natural tears to stay on the surface of your eyes longer and provide lasting moisture.
 

There are two main types:

• Temporary (dissolvable) plugs, often used for short-term relief or to test their effectiveness.

• Semi-permanent plugs, typically made of medical-grade silicone and designed for long-term treatment.
   

By preventing tears from draining too quickly, punctal plugs help maintain a stable tear film across the eye's surface. This improves lubrication, reduces irritation, and enhances overall comfort. Unlike eye drops that provide temporary moisture, punctal plugs offer a longer-lasting solution by addressing one of the root causes of dry eye.
 

When to Consider Punctal Plugs

You might be a candidate for punctal plugs if:

• You experience chronic dry eye symptoms that don't improve with artificial tears or other first-line treatments.

• You have certain autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, that contribute to dry eye.

• You’ve had recent eye surgery or procedures that increase dryness.
   

At Eye Trends Southlake, our optometrist will perform a comprehensive dry eye evaluation, which may include tear film testing, ocular surface staining, and a thorough health history review. If punctal plugs are deemed appropriate, the insertion is quick, and performed in-office.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

For residents in Southlake and nearby communities, lasting relief from dry eyes is closer than you think. If your symptoms are persistent and traditional treatments haven’t helped, punctal plugs may be the solution. Our team is here to provide expert diagnosis and personalized care to help you see and feel your best.
 

Contact Eye Trends Southlake to schedule your dry eye consultation and find out if punctal plugs are the right treatment for you.  Call (817) 900-EYES (3937) or visit our office in Southlake, Texas, to book an appointment today.