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Punctal plugs are tiny plugs inserted into the puncta, which is the opening of the tear drainage duct in the corner of the eye. Blocking the puncta with a plug slows the drainage of tears, allowing moisture to remain on the eye’s surface for a longer period.

Punctal plugs are effective for treating excessive tearing caused by reduced tear production. This is usually a quick procedure, and an ophthalmologist can insert the plugs into the eyes in their office in minutes.

Occasionally, punctal plugs may cause excessive tearing or mild irritation, but these side effects are uncommon.

If medications and punctal plugs do not successfully manage dry eye disease, our doctors may recommend cauterization. During cauterization, an ophthalmologist applies heat to the puncta in each eye, permanently closing the duct and preventing tears from draining out of the eyes.

This procedure is performed in the doctor’s office, and your ophthalmologist administers local anesthesia. Excessive tearing is a rare complication of cauterization.

Punctal occlusion, a mechanical treatment that blocks the tear drainage system, can also be achieved by using Lacrifill (hyaluronic acid) gel, which the ophthalmologist can inject in the lacrimal drainage system to retain tears on the eye’s surface.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is an FDA-approved technology that uses light therapy to target the skin around the eyelids and the meibomian glands, helping to reduce inflammation, minimize bacterial overgrowth, and improve the flow of oils from the meibomian glands, which help prevent tear evaporation.

Lipiflow is a medical device that applies heat and pressure to the eyelids to unclog blocked meibomian glands. This process decreases evaporation, helps restore natural oil production, and alleviates symptoms of dry eye disease.

TearCare is a treatment system designed to provide customized heat application to the eyelids to facilitate the natural secretion of oils within the meibomian glands. By warming the eyelids, TearCare helps loosen blockages in the glands, enhancing oil flow, and providing relief from dry eye symptoms.

Blephex is an in-office procedure used to clean debris and remove bacteria from the eyelid. A specialized handheld device with a rotating sponge is used to exfoliate and cleanse the eyelid margins, promoting overall eye health and providing relief from conditions like blepharitis.

Meibomian gland probing is a procedure where tiny probes are used to open and clear obstructions within the meibomian glands. This technique can enhance gland function, improve oil secretion on the eye surface, and provide relief from dry eye symptoms.