Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts—the puncta—of the eyelids. Puncta are small openings in your eyes that drain tears. About the size of a grain of rice, the plug prevents fluid from flowing from the eyes. Temporary/dissolving plugs are made of a material such as collagen that the body absorbs over time. These plugs can last anywhere from a few days to several months in the eye. Sometimes semi-permanent silicone plugs are used. This ensures that the maximum amount of tears remain on the eyes at all times, resulting in less itching, burning, and redness. Click here for more information about treatment for dry eye or book your appointment with Dr. Reshma Amin.