Punctal Plugs for Dry Eye Treatment in Colorado Springs

Dry eye syndrome can be persistent and frustrating. You may use artificial tears throughout the day, yet still experience burning, irritation, or fluctuating vision. In some cases, the issue is not tear production alone. Your tears may be draining too quickly.

At Bettner Vision in Colorado Springs, we offer advanced dry eye solutions tailored to the cause of your symptoms. Punctal plugs are a safe, effective way to help your natural tears remain on the surface of your eyes longer, improving comfort and stability.

(719) 282-0400

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How Tear Drainage Works

Your eyes constantly produce tears to lubricate, nourish, and protect the cornea. After tears coat the surface of the eye, they drain through tiny openings located in the inner corners of your upper and lower eyelids. These openings are called puncta.

From the puncta, tears travel through small canals into the nasal cavity. This natural drainage system keeps the tear film balanced.

For some patients with dry eye disease, tears drain too efficiently. Even if your eyes produce a normal amount of tears, rapid drainage prevents them from staying on the surface long enough to provide proper hydration.

Punctal plugs help slow that drainage process.

(719) 282-0400

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What Are Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear drainage openings of the eyelids. Their purpose is to partially or fully block tear outflow so moisture remains on the eye longer.

The procedure is performed in-office at Bettner Vision and takes only a few minutes. It does not require surgery or significant recovery time.

By preserving your natural tears, punctal plugs help:

Increase moisture retention
Improve tear film stability
Reduce surface irritation
Decrease dependence on artificial tears

Rather than constantly supplementing with eye drops, we help your own tear system function more effectively.

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Types of Punctal Plugs

There are two primary types of punctal plugs, and the appropriate choice depends on your condition.

Temporary dissolvable plugs are often used as a trial. These naturally dissolve over time, allowing us to evaluate how your eyes respond to tear retention.

Long-term silicone plugs are designed to remain in place for extended periods. They can be removed if necessary and are commonly used when patients experience significant benefit.

During your dry eye evaluation at Bettner Vision in Colorado Springs, we determine which option aligns best with your needs.

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Who is a Candidate for Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are typically recommended for patients with aqueous deficient dry eye. This type of dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough of the watery layer of tears.

You may benefit from punctal plugs if you experience:

Persistent dryness despite frequent artificial tear use
Burning or stinging sensations
Red or irritated eyes
Dryness related to medications
Symptoms associated with autoimmune or systemic conditions

Certain medications, including antihistamines and some blood pressure treatments, may reduce tear production. Hormonal changes and autoimmune conditions can also affect tear volume.

A thorough evaluation allows us to determine whether tear drainage is contributing to your discomfort.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

The placement of punctal plugs is quick and comfortable. After examining your tear drainage openings, we gently insert the plug into the punctum using specialized instruments.

Most patients feel little to no discomfort. Some describe a mild pressure sensation, but the process is brief and well-tolerated.

There is no downtime. You can resume normal activities immediately following your appointment.

Many patients notice improvement within several days as tear retention increases and surface irritation decreases.

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Benefits of Tear Retention Therapy

Preserving natural tears provides several meaningful advantages. When tears remain on the surface longer, the eye maintains healthier lubrication and protection.

Patients often report:

Reduced dryness and irritation
More stable vision
Improved reading and screen comfort
Less frequent need for artificial tears
Greater contact lens tolerance

By improving tear balance, punctal plugs support both comfort and visual clarity.

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How Safe are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs have been used safely for many years and are considered a low risk treatment option. However, ongoing monitoring is important.

In rare cases, a plug may shift or fall out. Occasionally, a patient may experience excessive tearing if drainage is slowed too much. If necessary, plugs can be adjusted or removed easily.

At Bettner Vision, we carefully assess tear production, tear quality, and ocular surface health before recommending punctal plugs. Appropriate patient selection minimizes complications and improves outcomes.

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Part of Your Personalized Dry Eye Plan

Dry eye disease is often multifactorial. Tear deficiency may exist alongside meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation. For this reason, punctal plugs are frequently combined with other therapies.

Your customized treatment plan at Bettner Vision in Colorado Springs may include:

Prescription eye drops
Heat mask therapy
Lid hygiene products
Nutritional guidance
In-office gland treatments

By addressing multiple contributing factors, we improve both immediate relief and long-term eye health.

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Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

Not every patient with dry eye symptoms needs punctal plugs. In some cases, blocking tear drainage without addressing gland dysfunction may worsen inflammation.

That is why we begin with a comprehensive dry eye evaluation. We measure tear volume, assess tear film stability, and examine the health of your ocular surface before recommending treatment.

This data-driven approach ensures we select therapies that target the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply masking them.

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Long Lasting Relief Without Constant Drops

Artificial tears can provide temporary comfort, but they do not solve tear retention issues. Punctal plugs allow your own tears to stay in place and function more effectively.

For many patients, this leads to:

Fewer daily drops
More consistent comfort
Improved daily productivity
Better overall eye health

By enhancing your natural tear system, punctal plugs offer a practical and sustainable solution.

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Book Your Dry Eye Evaluation in Bettner Vision

You should not have to live with chronic dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision. If over the counter products are not providing adequate relief, it may be time for a more targeted solution.

At Bettner Vision in Colorado Springs, we perform comprehensive dry eye evaluations to determine the true cause of your symptoms. If tear drainage is contributing to your discomfort, punctal plugs may provide the lasting relief you need.

Schedule your appointment today and take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.

(719) 282-0400

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