How To Plug Up Tear Ducts for Dry Eye
Dry eyes occur when your tear glands decrease fluid production. Outside influences such as smog, medications, low humidity environments and long hours staring at a computer may also contribute to dry eyes. Tear ducts are plugged with punctal plugs that keep fluid from draining out of the eye. Punctal plugs are placed into tear ducts by an eye professional.
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Instructions
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Locate an eye professional who specializes in tear duct plug placement. Your doctor examines your eyes to check their overall health. Temporary plugs made of collagen are placed into tear ducts in your eyelids to see how comfortable you are wearing them. Most tear duct placement is in the lower lids, although the upper tear ducts may also be plugged for severe dry eyes. Temporary plugs dissolve on their own or are manually removed by your eye doctor. See how your eyes react to the temporary plugs. Notice if your eyes feel more moist during the day. Place artificial tears in your eyes and see if the moisture lasts within your eye. Tear duct plugs are working if the moisture stays in your eyes for two hours.
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Have your doctor place long-term plugs into the tear ducts in your eyelids if you see improvement with the temporary plugs. Your doctor places long-term plugs made of silicone into your tear ducts. Consult with your doctor if you experience any scratching or uncomfortable feeling in your eyes from the plugs.
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Place artificial tears in your eyes and see if the moisture lasts within your eye. Tear duct plugs are working if the moisture stays in your eyes for two hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Alert your doctor if your plugs are uncomfortable. Plugs come in different shapes and sizes and you and your doctor may need to experiment with different types to come up with one that fits the best on you.
Discuss with your doctor any risks involved with tear duct plugging as this is an invasive procedure and carries an increased risk of infection.
