Punctal Plugs - Relief from Dry Eyes
The diagnosis and treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) was described above. This section will describe punctal plugs in more detail, in keeping with the (unique) philosophy of Dr. Chynn and the Staff of parkavenuelaser.com to be 100% up-front about every side effect from LASIK/LASEK. Of course, any center and any surgeon can tell you, "We never get dry eyes afterwards"--and guess what--as the 'hidden camera' shows--they will be lying to you!
Punctal plugs are a treatment option for patients suffering from DES that has not been relieved by drops or ointments. Punctal plugs are placed in the opening of the tear outflow ducts in the eyelids (called "puncta") to block tear drainage into the back of the nose/throat, to keep the eyes more moist. Implantation reduces the need for artificial tear drops and increases comfort.
Punctal plugs come in a many different shapes and sizes, and may be placed in the lower or upper puncta (there is one in each lower lid, and one in each upper lid), or in both. The most common plugs shaped like a drain stopper, and are made either of collagen (absorbable/dissolvable/temporary) or solid silicone (semi-permanent). They may be placed partially inside the tear duct or embedded entirely within the duct (Herrick plugs). A recently introduced acrylic plug called the SmartPlug softens at body temperature and expands to custom-fit each patient's eye.
Implantation takes only a few seconds in Dr. Chynn's office and is totally painless. In most cases, collagen plugs are used before silicone plugs to make sure this treatment is effective.
All kinds of plugs are fully paid for by all MEDICAL/HEALTH (NOT VISION) insurance, such as GHI, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Oxford, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Medicare--all of which are accepted by Dr. Chynn, who is an Authorized Surgeon for all plans!
To read a testimonial from one of our patients about the effectiveness of Punctal Plugs after Laser Vision Correction, click here.
Disclaimer: New York City eye surgeon Dr. Chynn's website is not intended to provide medical advice. It offers information to patients in Long Island, Manhattan and surrounding areas on Vision Correction & Dry Eye Relief.