It sounds strange, but one of the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome is excessive tearing. If your eyes constantly feel watery, irritated, or like they’re “leaking,” you may not need more tears—you may need to hold on to the ones you already have.
In Richmond Hill, we help patients like you find lasting relief with a simple but effective solution: punctal plugs.
What Are Punctal Plugs and Are They Effective Against Dry Eyes?
Punctal plugs are tiny, medical-grade devices inserted into your tear ducts (called puncta) to help retain moisture on the surface of your eyes. By blocking tear drainage, punctal plugs keep your natural tears in your eyes longer, reducing dryness, irritation, and the cycle of over-tearing.
They’re:
- Minimally invasive
- Comfortable and discreet
- A great alternative or complement to eye drops
Most people don’t feel them at all after they’re inserted—and many notice an improvement in symptoms within days.
How Do Punctal Plugs Work?
Your eyes have small drainage ducts in the inner corners called puncta. Normally, excess tears drain through these ducts into the nose. But if your eyes are already dry or your tears are evaporating too quickly, this natural drainage may worsen the problem.
Punctal plugs act like a dam, preventing tear loss and increasing tear film stability. Think of it as preserving the moisture your eyes work hard to create, instead of letting it drain away too soon.
What Conditions Can Punctal Plugs Help?
Punctal plugs are often recommended for:
- Chronic dry eye syndrome
- Evaporative dry eye or aqueous-deficient dry eye
- Watery eyes caused by reflex tearing
- Contact lens discomfort due to dryness
- Dry eye after LASIK or other surgeries
- Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome
Our eye doctors at Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic will perform a full dry eye evaluation to determine if punctal plugs are right for your unique case.
What Is the Procedure Like at Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic
The procedure is quick and painless:
- Your optometrist examines your eyes and selects the correct size and type of plug.
- A tiny, soft plug is gently inserted into the tear duct opening using sterile tools.
- You may be given temporary or semi-permanent plugs depending on your needs.
- The process takes just a few minutes in the exam chair—no anesthesia, downtime, or special prep required.
You’ll be able to go about your day immediately after.
Are Punctal Plugs Safe?
Yes—punctal plugs are FDA-approved and have been used safely for decades. At Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic, we use high-quality silicone or collagen-based plugs designed for comfort and long-term use. Most patients don’t even feel them once they’re in place.
Side effects are rare but may include temporary tearing or a foreign body sensation during the adjustment period. These usually resolve quickly.
Combining Plugs with Other Dry Eye Treatments in Richmond Hill
Punctal plugs can be part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan that may also include:
- ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) for deep cleaning of the eyelid margins
- Radio Frequency (RF) therapy to unblock oil glands and stimulate collagen
- Omega-3 supplements and hydration guidance
- Customized artificial tear routines or prescription drops
Dr. Radhika Chawla or Dr. Teresa Ching will build a treatment plan designed to not only reduce symptoms but address the root causes of your dry eye discomfort.
Ready for Real Relief from Watery, Dry Eyes? Visit us in Richmond Hill, ON
If your eyes feel dry and irritated—but also strangely watery—it’s time to look beyond the eye drops. At our practice, we specialize in personalized dry eye solutions like punctal plugs that offer real, lasting comfort.
Schedule an eye care appointment to see our dry eye optometrists in Richmond Hill and find relief.