Punctal occlusion is a valuable dry eye treatment that helps improve eye health by retaining natural tears. Experience relief and comfort with this effective procedure.
Your eyes have small drainage openings called puncta, one on each eyelid at the inner corner. These puncta normally allow tears to leave the ocular surface, but if your tear production is already low, draining away even a small amount means less moisture for your eyes. Punctal occlusion works by blocking these drainage channels so that the limited tears you produce remain on your eye longer, enhancing lubrication and reducing surface dryness.
The procedure can be performed using punctal plugs—tiny devices made of materials such as collagen or silicone—or by performing a thermal cautery to permanently close the drainage openings. The plugs help keep natural tears (and any artificial tear drops) on the eye’s surface for a longer time, which may improve comfort and reduce the risk of further damage to your eyes from dryness.
Punctal plugs are the most common and least invasive option for punctal occlusion. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes (typically ranging between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm in diameter) to match the size and anatomy of your tear ducts.
For patients who need a longer-lasting solution or who are not ideal candidates for plugs, thermal cautery or laser-based occlusion can be performed. During this procedure, the puncta are heated gently to create scar tissue that permanently closes the tear drainage channels. This method is typically reserved for those with severe dry eye who have thoroughly tried other treatments.
Not everyone with dry eye will benefit from punctal occlusion; our eye doctor will evaluate your situation carefully.
In general, punctal occlusion is considered for patients who:
Our eye doctor will perform a thorough review of your medical history and a detailed examination of your tear film, including measurements of tear production and stability, to decide if punctal occlusion is the right treatment option for you.
Find a top optometrist near you who can guide you through the benefits of punctal occlusion and help manage your dry eye symptoms.
Punctal occlusion is performed in the comfort of our office and requires only a few minutes.
Here’s what you can expect:
Once the procedure is complete, our eye doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions and advise you on what signs and symptoms to monitor. Although the procedure is straightforward, it is important to attend follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness and manage any potential issues.
For dry eye patients, punctal occlusion offers several significant advantages:
Overall, punctal occlusion is a conservative yet effective way to manage moderate to severe dry eye, particularly in patients for whom conventional treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Find a top optometrist near you who can guide you through the benefits of punctal occlusion and help manage your dry eye symptoms.
Punctal occlusion offers an effective solution for dry eye treatment, enhancing comfort by retaining natural tears on the eye’s surface.
