Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes with Your Columbia Eye Care Professional
Dry eye syndrome is a growing problem among people who spend long hours working at the computer throughout the day. However, other factors can also contribute to poor tear production and dry, scratchy eyes. Severe dry eye problems may require more than simply using over-the-counter artificial tears. If you are troubled with burning eyes, a feeling of a foreign object in the eyes, excessive tearing, blurred vision and crusting of the eyes, you may require punctual plugs to block the drainage of moisture from the eye surface. Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates can provide this treatment that helps to relieve dry eye problems.
Causes of Dry Eyes
Tears are composed of water, oil, mucus and special proteins that help to keep the eye surface moist and healthy. We take the ability to make tears for granted, but a number of factors can cause a reduction in the number of tears or cause tears of poor quality. Natural aging can cause lower production of tears to moisturize the eyes. Certain diseases can cause a drop in tear production. Medications, such as antihistamines, may cause dryness in the eyes. Working in dry, smoky or gritty environments can lead to dry eye problems. Some individuals who have had LASIK vision correction surgery may experience dry eyes for a period after the procedure. Your Columbia eye care professional can evaluate the problem and determine if punctal plugs would be helpful.
Understanding How Punctal Plugs Work
Punctal plugs are tiny pieces of biocompatible material that are inserted into tear ducts to block the drainage of moisture from the eyes. These devices are about the size of a grain of rice and cause no discomfort after they are put in place. Punctal plugs are inserted into the “punctum,” which lies at the inner corner of the eye by the nose. There are a number of different designs of punctual plugs to suit individual problems. Your eye doctor will determine the best type of your needs during your exam. These plugs can be left in place for a long time to combat excessive dryness in the eyes.
Make Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates Your Columbia SC Eye Care Professional
Dr. Dorothy Park and the staff at our office are committed to providing high-quality vision care along with superior patient care. We utilize comprehensive eye exams, state-of-the-art equipment and a broad range of eyeglass styles and contact lens products. We also offer after-hours care for eye emergencies to provide comprehensive care for our patients’ needs. Call Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates today at (803) 254-6306 for an appointment to learn more about punctual plugs and how they can help your dry eye problem.
