CALLS & EMERGENCY/AFTER HOURS

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CALLS & EMERGENCY/AFTER HOURS

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Dry Eye Punctal Plugs

Punctal Plugs for Dry Eye

Dry eye can be a big deal. It can be caused by anything from being in a place where people smoke to the air being dry. Fortunately, there's a solution to some of the worst cases of dry eye: punctal plugs. If you live in or near Columbia, SC, Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates can show you how we can help you at our clinic. 

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Treating Dry Eye

There are several options that you can use to manage your dry eye. One of them is the use of artificial tears. These drops are used to lubricate your eyes and make them feel comfortable again. If you get the ones without preservatives, you can use them as often as you like. For drops with preservatives, you're limited to about four times a day.

Another option for treating dry eye is LipiFlow, where a heating device is put over your eyes to help unclog blocked meibomian glands. The results from LipiFlow can last up to nine months, but it can also be expensive.

What Are Punctal Plugs?

There is a structure in the corner of your eye called the puncta. Tears can flow from the puncta, which in excessive cases can lead to dry eye. That's where the punctal plugs come in. They block the puncta to help keep your eyes moist by ensuring tears are not able to drain from your eyes as readily. These plugs are about the size of a grain of rice.

Are They Permanent?

That's up to you. You can get plugs that are temporary and there are ones that you can wear and remove. The temporary ones last about a week, while there are others that last a month or more. Then there are silicone ones that stay in all the time. Even permanent punctal plugs can be easily removed by an optometrist, however.

What Is the Procedure?

It's pretty fast and painless. The eye doctor may apply a topical anesthetic. You might feel a slight tug, but that's about it. It takes a few minutes. It's safe, and there are few, if any, side effects.

If you have dry eye, consider asking your optometrist about punctal plugs. It's worth it to have comfortable eyes that are moist again.

Are you a resident of Columbia, SC, and need to see an optometrist?

Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates is located there. No need to search "eye clinic near me." Contact us today to learn more about punctal plugs or the other eye conditions that we treat. 

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed