There are a lot of things you need to know about punctal plugs.
A punctal plug is a small device.Chronic dry, itchy, or burning eyes can be alleviated with prophylactic plugs.
Doctors use a procedure called punctal occlusion surgery to insert plugs, which may be a temporary or long-term solution.There is a slight risk of side effects with the procedure.If necessary, it is possible to remove the plugs.
In this article, we look at how punctal plugs work, what to expect during and after the procedure, and possible side effects.
There are tiny medical devices in the tear ducts that help keep the eyes moist and prevent tears from draining away.
A doctor may recommend punctal plugs for people with a condition called dry eye.
People with chronic dry eye make low quality tears.This can cause the eyes to be dry throughout the day, which causes the body to make more tears.
The constant signal to the body to create more tears leads to continuous leaking from the eyes, even though these tears are very watery.Dry eye can be alleviated by lubricating the eyes with pneumatic plugs.
The drain plug in a bathtub is similar to theunctal plugs.There are small plugs in the eyes.
The tear drainage channel is blocked by them.The fluid stays on the surface of the eye which lubricates throughout the day.
The punctal occlusion procedure is the same for all of the different types of plug.
Doctors will perform an eye exam before putting punctal plugs.They will inquire about a person's symptoms and medical history.
They can inspect the eyes for signs of dry eye and check the tears in the eye.Plugs will not work for everyone.
Artificial tears or other treatments are usually prescribed after a doctor diagnoses dry eye.The doctor may use punctal plugs if they are not effective after a set amount of time.
The different types of plugs will be discussed with the individual if the doctor believes they are the right choice.
The doctor will make an appointment to insert the punctal plug after selecting the most suitable one.They need to use the right size and shape for the person.Many doctors put the plugs in their office.
A doctor will numb the tear duct.The plug will be inserted directly into the tear duct.If the duct is too narrow, they may need to use an instrument called a lacrimal dilator to open it.
Within a few minutes, the entire process is over.The plugs are not usually painful and some people may experience slight discomfort during the procedure.Most people can't feel them after the process is over.
Recovering from punctal plugs is usually quick.Once people get used to the plugs, they can use their eyes again.
Within a few months, first-time plugs are usually collagen ones.Symptoms of dry eye might return after this time if the plugs were helping.This would show the need for a more permanent solution.
Doctors may ask patients with more permanent plugs to visit every few months so they can monitor eye health and any reactions the body is having to the plugs.If a person is prone to eye infections with the plugs, this is essential.
Punctal plugs are not prone to serious problems.Some people may experience side effects.
A small sensation in the corner of the eye is the most common side effect.Most people find that this feeling disappears after a while.
If punctal plugs are right for you, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor.
People who have tried artificial tears or other eye drops may respond well to plugs.
There are side effects from punctal plugs.If you experience any side effects, make your doctor aware immediately to avoid any long-term damage to the eye.
Many people can achieve long-term relief from their dry eye symptoms by using treatment methods such as punctal plugs and eye drops.
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