{"id":5582,"date":"2026-09-09T14:23:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T14:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/?page_id=5582"},"modified":"2026-09-22T16:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:47:00","slug":"punctal-plugs-for-dry-eyes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/punctal-plugs-for-dry-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull sde-tx is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<div class=\"txhero\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txhero-in\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">Treatment<\/p>\n<h1>Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes<\/h1>\n<p class=\"txsub\" style=\"font-family:var(--sans);font-size:clamp(15px,1.25vw,17.5px);font-weight:600;line-height:1.45;letter-spacing:.005em;margin:-6px 0 18px;max-width:46ch;color:var(--p900)\">Temporary closure of the tear drainage in aqueous tear deficiency<\/p>\n<p class=\"txlede\">Punctal plugs are very small plugs made of silicone or of a dissolvable material. They are placed in the puncta, the tiny openings at the inner end of the lid margin, and reduce the outflow of tear fluid. As a result, the eye\u2019s own tears stay on the ocular surface for longer. Insertion takes only a few minutes and requires no injection. Silicone plugs can usually be removed again; dissolvable plugs break down by themselves.<\/p>\n<div class=\"txbtns\"><a class=\"txp\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/start-dry-eye-treatment\/\">Start your screening<\/a><a class=\"txo\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/dry-eye-treatment-options\/\">All treatment options<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(max-width:1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/sde-punctal-plugs-hero-wide.webp\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1000\"><img src=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/sde-punctal-plugs-hero.webp\" alt=\"Three types of punctal plug: a flanged silicone plug, a dissolvable collagen rod and an intracanalicular plug\" width=\"1128\" height=\"1344\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"><\/picture><p class=\"txcredit\" style=\"border-top:0;padding-top:8px\">Image: OASIS Medical, Inc. \u00b7 oasismedical.com<\/p><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<dl class=\"txglance\"><div><dt>Treatment time<\/dt><dd>A few minutes<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Duration in place<\/dt><dd>From a few days to several years, depending on the plug type<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Sensation<\/dt><dd>Brief feeling of pressure; anaesthetic drops if needed<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Downtime<\/dt><dd>Usually none<\/dd><\/div><\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txnav\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<ul><li><a href=\"#when-punctal-plugs-are-used\">When punctal plugs are used<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-punctal-plugs-work\">How punctal plugs work<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-plug-types\">The plug types<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-insertion-involves\">What insertion involves<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#who-punctal-plugs-are-suitable-for\">Who punctal plugs are suitable for<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#costs\">Costs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txsplit\"><div><div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">01<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"when-punctal-plugs-are-used\">When punctal plugs are used<\/h2><\/div><div><div class=\"txprose\"><p>Punctal plugs are considered above all for dry eye with <strong>aqueous tear deficiency<\/strong>. In this condition the lacrimal gland produces too little tear fluid, for example in Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome or another autoimmune disease, with increasing age, or as a result of certain medicines. The ocular surface is then not wetted sufficiently. Possible symptoms are burning, a foreign-body sensation, redness, light sensitivity and fluctuating vision.<\/p><p>Signs of aqueous tear deficiency include a low Schirmer value, a low tear meniscus and staining of the cornea or conjunctiva. With such findings it can make sense to keep the available tear fluid on the ocular surface for longer.<\/p><p>Punctal plugs <strong>do not increase tear production<\/strong>. They treat neither inflammation nor meibomian gland dysfunction. They can therefore complement treatment of the underlying cause, but do not replace it.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb txb--tint\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txsplit\"><div><div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">02<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"how-punctal-plugs-work\">How punctal plugs work<\/h2><\/div><div><div class=\"txprose\"><p>Tear fluid is produced continuously, spread over the ocular surface with every blink and drained at the inner corner of the eye. There, at the edge of the upper and lower lid, lies a fine opening, the punctum. From here the tears pass through the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac and on into the nose.<\/p><p>A punctal plug <strong>closes the punctum<\/strong>. Less tear fluid drains away, it stays on the ocular surface for longer and the tear meniscus can rise. Tear substitutes and medicated eye drops may also remain on the eye for longer. The dosage of medicated eye drops may therefore need to be adjusted. In dry eye, <strong>preservative-free preparations<\/strong> are generally preferable.<\/p><p>There are different types of plug. <strong>Dissolvable plugs<\/strong> made of collagen or synthetic materials break down within days to months, depending on the product. They are suitable for testing the effect of occlusion first. <strong>Silicone plugs sit<\/strong> visibly in the punctum with a small collar, can stay in place for longer and can usually be removed easily if needed. <strong>Intracanalicular plugs lie<\/strong> deeper in the canaliculus and are not visible from outside. They are, however, harder to check and to remove.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"txcall\"><p><strong>Important note.<\/strong> Tears also carry inflammatory mediators away from the ocular surface. If the tear drainage is closed during active inflammation, these substances can remain on the eye for longer. Lid margin inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation of the ocular surface should therefore generally be treated, or brought under sufficient control, first.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">03<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"the-plug-types\">The plug types<\/h2>\n<p class=\"txdevnote\">Smart Dry Eyes is not tied to any manufacturer. The systems below are the ones most often used for this treatment in our partner centres and in European practice generally. Which one a centre runs does not change the treatment you receive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"txdevs\">\n<div class=\"txdev\"><div class=\"txdev-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/sde-plug-silicone.webp\" alt=\"Silicone plug\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"txdev-b\"><h3>Silicone plug<\/h3><p class=\"maker\">FCI \u00b7 France<\/p><p class=\"d\">Silicone plugs sit visibly in the punctum with a small collar, can stay in place for longer and can usually be removed easily if needed.<\/p><p class=\"txcredit\">Image: FCI S.A.S. \u00b7 fciworldwide.com<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"txdev\"><div class=\"txdev-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/sde-plug-collagen.webp\" alt=\"Dissolvable plug\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"txdev-b\"><h3>Dissolvable plug<\/h3><p class=\"maker\">Oasis Medical \u00b7 USA<\/p><p class=\"d\">Dissolvable plugs made of collagen or synthetic materials break down within days to months, depending on the product. They are suitable for testing the effect of occlusion first.<\/p><p class=\"txcredit\">Image: OASIS Medical, Inc. \u00b7 oasismedical.com<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"txdev\"><div class=\"txdev-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/sde-plug-intracanalicular.webp\" alt=\"Intracanalicular plug\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"txdev-b\"><h3>Intracanalicular plug<\/h3><p class=\"maker\">Oasis Medical \u00b7 USA<\/p><p class=\"d\">Intracanalicular plugs lie deeper in the canaliculus and are not visible from outside. They are, however, harder to check and to remove.<\/p><p class=\"txcredit\">Image: OASIS Medical, Inc. \u00b7 oasismedical.com<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"txcreditnote\">Device photographs are the property of their respective manufacturers and are reproduced here to identify the equipment described. Smart Dry Eyes has no commercial relationship with these manufacturers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb txb--tint\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">04<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"what-insertion-involves\">What insertion involves<\/h2>\n<style>html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,7fr) minmax(0,5fr);gap:clamp(32px,5vw,72px);align-items:stretch;margin-top:clamp(24px,3vw,40px)}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit .txsteps{margin:0}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig{margin:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;min-width:0}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig img{display:block;width:100%;height:0;min-height:320px;flex:1 1 0;object-fit:cover;object-position:6% 50%;border-radius:24px;box-shadow:0 18px 40px -20px rgba(21,49,58,.45)}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig figcaption{font-size:11.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#8FA5AB;margin:0;padding:11px 2px 0;text-align:left}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig figcaption b{font-weight:500;color:var(--n500,#5F7479)}@media (max-width:1000px){html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:28px}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig{order:-1}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig img{height:auto;min-height:0;flex:none;aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-position:50% 50%;border-radius:20px}}html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig img{max-height:600px}@media (max-width:1000px){html .entry-content .sde-tx .txvisit-fig img{max-height:none}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"txvisit\">\n<ol class=\"txsteps\"><li><h3>Before<\/h3><p>Before treatment, the tear volume, tear film, ocular surface and lid margins are examined. The findings show whether there is a tear deficiency and whether closing the tear drainage makes sense. The size of the punctum is then assessed so that a suitable plug can be chosen. Often <strong>a dissolvable plug is placed first<\/strong> to test the effect.<\/p><\/li><li><h3>During<\/h3><p>If needed, the ocular surface is numbed with drops. The doctor then places the plug in the punctum with a fine applicator. This takes <strong>only a few moments per eye<\/strong>; usually no more than a brief feeling of pressure is felt. Often only the lower punctum is closed at first, in both eyes during the same session if both are affected.<\/p><\/li><li><h3>After<\/h3><p>Usual activities can generally be resumed straight away. In the first days there may be a slight foreign-body sensation at the inner corner of the eye. Try not to rub there, so that the plug does not come loose. Contact the treatment centre if you have <strong>persistent watering, pain, increasing redness, swelling or discharge<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li><h3>Follow-up<\/h3><p>At the follow-up visit it is checked whether the plug is seated correctly and whether symptoms and objective findings have improved. A plug <strong>can be lost unnoticed<\/strong> and can be replaced if needed, if necessary in a different size. If closing the lower punctum is not enough, the upper one can be closed as well. Permanent surgical closure is considered only in selected cases.<\/p><\/li><\/ol>\n<figure class=\"txvisit-fig\"><img src=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lacrifill-exploracion-lampara-hendidura.webp\" alt=\"A patient resting at the slit lamp while the ophthalmologist examines her eyes\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption><b>Slit-lamp examination in the consulting room.<\/b><span style=\"display:block\">Photo: Nordic Pharma \u00b7 lacrifill.co.uk<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">05<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"who-punctal-plugs-are-suitable-for\">Who punctal plugs are suitable for<\/h2>\n<div class=\"txtwo\"><div class=\"txcard txcard--yes\"><h3>Possible indications<\/h3><ul><li>Punctal plugs can be considered for dry eye with a confirmed aqueous tear deficiency, for example in Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome or another cause of reduced tear production.<\/li><li>A prerequisite is that symptoms or ocular surface findings persist despite appropriate basic therapy.<\/li><li>Occlusion can also be considered for contact lens wearers with a confirmed tear deficiency.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"txcard txcard--no\"><h3>Contraindications and limits<\/h3><ul><li>Punctal plugs should not be used in the presence of an active infection of the eye or the tear ducts, an obstruction of the tear drainage, a malposition of the lower lid such as ectropion, or a known allergy to the plug material.<\/li><li>Inflamed lid margins and active inflammation of the ocular surface are generally treated first.<\/li><li>In predominantly evaporative dry eye with a normal tear volume, punctal plugs are not the primary treatment.<\/li><li>If meibomian gland dysfunction is the main problem, the lid margins and glands are treated first.<\/li><li>The examination shows whether a combination of several procedures makes sense.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb txb--tint\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">06<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"costs\">Costs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"txprice txprice--1\">\n<div class=\"txpcard\"><p class=\"region\">Germany<\/p>\n<div class=\"txprow\"><p class=\"lbl\">Punctal occlusion with punctal plugs<\/p><p class=\"amt\">from \u20ac415<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"txprow\"><p class=\"lbl\">Follow-up or return visit<\/p><p class=\"amt\">from \u20ac150<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"txpfoot\">The actual costs depend on the treatment centre, the plug type, the number of puncta treated and any combination therapies. In Germany, this is generally a private medical service. Whether a private health insurer or the Beihilfe scheme covers the costs depends on the individual policy and case. You will receive written cost information before treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb\">\n<div class=\"txw\">\n<div class=\"txhead\"><span class=\"txnum\">07<\/span><span class=\"txrule\"><\/span><\/div><h2 class=\"txh\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"txfaq\"><details><summary>Is insertion painful?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Usually only a brief feeling of pressure is felt at the inner corner of the eye. If needed, the ocular surface is numbed with a drop beforehand. <strong>No injection is required<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>Can you feel the plug in everyday life?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>In the first days there may be a slight foreign-body sensation, which usually subsides. Most patients no longer notice the plug after that. If it remains bothersome, it can be removed or exchanged for a different size or type.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>Can the plug be removed again?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Silicone plugs in the punctum can usually be <strong>removed in a few moments with fine forceps<\/strong>. Dissolvable plugs break down by themselves. Intracanalicular plugs are harder to reach; removing them requires irrigation of the tear ducts and, in rare cases, a minor procedure.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>What happens if a plug falls out?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>This is the most common problem with silicone plugs and is usually harmless. It often goes unnoticed at first. If the symptoms return, the plug can be replaced at a follow-up visit, if necessary in a different size.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>My eyes water often. Is occlusion still an option?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye: the irritated ocular surface triggers reflex tearing. Tearing of this kind <strong>does not in itself rule out punctal plugs<\/strong>. If, however, the eye waters because the tear ducts are blocked or the lower lid does not sit properly against the eye, occlusion is not appropriate. The examination clarifies which cause is present.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>Can the eye water after insertion?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Yes. In some patients, more tear fluid remains on the eye after occlusion than can drain away. That is why usually only the lower punctum is closed at first, and often a dissolvable plug is used as a trial. If the eye waters persistently, the plug is removed.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>When can improvement be expected?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>A change can become noticeable <strong>within days to a few weeks<\/strong>. How marked it is varies from person to person. A particular treatment outcome cannot be guaranteed for the individual patient.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details><summary>How well studied is the treatment?<\/summary><div class=\"a\"><p>Punctal occlusion has been used for decades and is listed in the international recommendations on dry eye as a measure for keeping tear fluid on the eye. Observational studies show an improvement in symptoms and findings in suitable patients. High-quality randomised trials are limited, however, and their results are inconsistent. Careful patient selection and a trial with a dissolvable plug are all the more important.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb\"><div class=\"txw\"><div class=\"txcta\"><h2>Which treatment is right for your eyes<\/h2><p>Dry eye can have different causes. Biofilm, inflamed lid margins, thickened meibum, ocular rosacea and aqueous tear deficiency each call for a different therapeutic approach. Smart Dry Eyes records the relevant findings systematically. On that basis, the ophthalmologist decides which treatment or combination is right for you.<\/p><div class=\"txbtns\"><a class=\"txp\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/start-dry-eye-treatment\/\">Start your screening<\/a><a class=\"txo\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/dry-eye-treatment-options\/\">All treatment options<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"txb txb--tint\"><div class=\"txw\"><h2 class=\"txh\">Other treatments for dry eyes<\/h2><div class=\"txrel\"><a class=\"txrelc\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/lacrifill-treatment-for-dry-eyes\/\"><span class=\"t\">Lacrifill<\/span><span class=\"g\">Hyaluronic acid gel for temporary closure of the tear drainage<\/span><\/a><a class=\"txrelc\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/eyelid-cleansing-blepharoexfoliation\/\"><span class=\"t\">Eyelid cleansing<\/span><span class=\"g\">Removing biofilm, crusts and deposits from the lid margin<\/span><\/a><a class=\"txrelc\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/meibomian-gland-expression\/\"><span class=\"t\">Meibomian gland expression<\/span><span class=\"g\">Releasing warmed secretion from the glands in a controlled way<\/span><\/a><a class=\"txrelc\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/tixel-treatment-for-dry-eyes\/\"><span class=\"t\">Tixel<\/span><span class=\"g\">Targeted heat treatment of the meibomian glands<\/span><\/a><a class=\"txrelc\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/ipl-treatment-for-dry-eyes\/\"><span class=\"t\">IPL<\/span><span class=\"g\">Light-based therapy for inflammatory MGD and ocular rosacea<\/span><\/a><a class=\"txrelc\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/low-level-light-therapy-for-dry-eyes\/\"><span class=\"t\">Low-level light therapy<\/span><span class=\"g\">Complementary photobiomodulation for selected inflammatory findings<\/span><\/a><a class=\"txrelc txrelc--hub\" href=\"https:\/\/smartdryeyes.com\/en\/dry-eye-treatment-options\/\"><span class=\"t\">Dry eye treatment options<\/span><span class=\"g\">All eight, compared<\/span><\/a><\/div><p class=\"txrev\">Medically reviewed by Dr. Ludger Hanneken, MD, PhD \u00b7 Medical Director, Smart Dry Eyes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is insertion painful?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Usually only a brief feeling of pressure is felt at the inner corner of the eye. 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A particular treatment outcome cannot be guaranteed for the individual patient.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How well studied is the treatment?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Punctal occlusion has been used for decades and is listed in the international recommendations on dry eye as a measure for keeping tear fluid on the eye. Observational studies show an improvement in symptoms and findings in suitable patients. High-quality randomised trials are limited, however, and their results are inconsistent. Careful patient selection and a trial with a dissolvable plug are all the more important.\"}}]}<\/script>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Treatment Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes Temporary closure of the tear drainage in aqueous tear deficiency Punctal plugs are very [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5582","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes | Smart Dry Eyes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Punctal plugs reduce tear drainage so that the eye\u2019s own tears stay on the eye for longer. 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