At Dry Eye Wales, we understand the challenges of living with aqueous deficient dry eye, whether it’s due to hormonal changes, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions. One effective treatment we offer is punctal plugs, made from medical-grade silicone and designed for annual replacement.
What Are Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts (puncta) located in the inner corners of your lower eyelids. By blocking one of the two drainage channels, these plugs help retain tears on the surface of the eye, significantly increasing tear film stability and moisture.
How Do Punctal Plugs Benefit Those with Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye?
For individuals suffering from aqueous deficient dry eye, punctal plugs can provide substantial relief. Here’s how they help:
- Increased Tear Retention: Punctal plugs can keep up to 70% more tears in the eye. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with inadequate tear production, as it helps maintain a more stable tear film and reduce dryness by having a greater tear volume.
- Reduced Dependency on Eye Drops: Many patients find that punctal plugs significantly decrease their need for artificial tears. By retaining natural tears on the surface of the eye, these plugs can improve comfort and reduce the frequency of eye drop usage.
- Non-Invasive and Pain-Free: The insertion of punctal plugs is a quick, non-invasive procedure that typically does not cause any discomfort. Patients often report that the process is easy and well-tolerated. We have the option of using a local anaesthesia but it is usually not required.
- Customisable Options: Punctal plugs come in various sizes and styles, allowing our optometrists to choose the best fit for your individual needs. Annual replacements ensure that your treatment remains safe and effective over time. We offer a 6 month retention guarantee so that if one comes out within this time we can replace it free of charge.
Who Can Benefit from Punctal Plugs?
Punctal plugs are particularly beneficial for individuals with aqueous deficient dry eye caused by:
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions like menopause or hormonal imbalances can lead to reduced tear production, making punctal plugs a suitable option for relief.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms. These can include, but are not limited to anti-histamines, anti-depressants and HRT. Punctal plugs can help mitigate these effects by preserving your natural tears.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, can impact tear production. Punctal plugs provide a supportive treatment option to enhance comfort and eye health.
What to Expect During Your Appointment?
Once you have had your diagnostics conducted and one of your dry eye specialist optometrists have recommended punctal plugs for you, they will order your size and book a fitting appointment. At this appointment, the insertion of the plugs is quick and straightforward. After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities with minimal downtime. There may be minimal irritation during the day that the procedure is conducted but if this persists to the next day please get in touch.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
If you’re struggling with aqueous deficient dry eye and seeking a long-term solution, punctal plugs may be the perfect option for you. At Dry Eye Wales, we are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs, helping you achieve optimal eye comfort.
Don’t let dry eyes hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for punctal plugs and take the first step toward more comfortable, healthier eyes!