How effective are Punctal Plugs for treating dry eyes after LASIK?

Doctor's Answers 2

Punctal plugs are very effective for treating dry eyes, whether or not the problem is associated with LASIK. However, it is important to note that punctal plugs work by keeping whatever moisture is already on the eye (whether naturally produced or from eyedrops) around for a longer time, instead of allowing them to drain away into the nose. Therefore, it does not help the dryness that some people get while sleeping-and which they may experience on waking in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.

This is because sleep related dryness is related to the lack of tear production, so in these cases there are no tears for the plugs to keep around in the first place.

If the dry eye problem is usually manifest during sleep or first thing on waking, it is best to use a gel or ointment before sleep, that will persist for the whole night rather than eyedrops which are too liquid and which will disappear within an hour or so.

Photo of Dr Natasha Lim
Dr Natasha Lim

Ophthalmologist

They are very helpful as they prevent your tears from leaving the eye. You would normally need it for 3 - 6 months only. You would normally recover by 3 - 6 months after LASIK surgery.

The plugs can be collagen in nature and are temporary, being fitted 3 monthly.

There is a permanent option where the plug is silicone, lasting longer ( for many years without needing to be changed ). This option is Medisave and Medishield claimable.

If you are interested in their prices, please let me know and I can provide more information to you.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Amelie

NOVENA Bladeless Cataract Surgery & Eye Specialist Centre

in association with

Dr. Natasha Lim Eye Centre

Tel: +65 6570 2220

Similar Questions

Can one wear coloured contact lens after LASIK or TransPRK?

Just wanted to add in a word of advice about coloured contact lenses. Coloured contact lenses contain extra pigment to give the contact lens its colour. Depending on the manufacturer or brand of these contact lenses, the application process of this pigment on the contact lens might not be done well or properly. This is especially so if the coloured contact lens is not FDA-approved or have not been through any stringent regulations or certification.

Photo of Dr Claudine Pang

Answered By

Dr Claudine Pang

Ophthalmologist

What can I do if I still get dry eyes more than 1 year after LASIK?

Dry eye indeed is a potential side effect of LASIK and to a lesser degree in PRK and ReLEx SMILE. Before a conclusion can be made that the dry eye is indeed due to LASIK, it is important for your surgeon to assess your eyes for other treatable causes of dry syndrome. These may include inflammatory diseases of the tear gland, eye lids and ocular surface. Many of these conditions can be treated hence the benefit of identifying them. In the case of post-LASIK dry eyes, the condition may be improved with the use of lubricating eyedrops, ointments and anti-inflammatory medications.

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