What Is Punctum in the Eye
There Are Small Openings Inside the Edges of the Eyelids Near the Nose. Each Upper and Lower Eyelid Has One of These Openings, Called a Punctum. These Four...
There are small openings inside the edges of the eyelids near the nose. Each upper and lower eyelid has one of these openings, called a punctum. These four openings, or puncta, act like little valves to take tears out of the eye. Each time we blink, some tear fluid is pumped out of the eye through the puncta.
What is a lacrimal punctum for?
Puncta are the tiny openings that drain tears from your eyes. About the size of a grain of rice, the plug stops fluid from draining from the eye. This helps keep the eye’s surface moist and comfortable, relieving itchy, burning and red eyes. Punctal plugs are also called punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs or occluders.
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Can I remove punctal plugs myself?
Temporary punctal plugs dissolve naturally and do not require removal. Permanent punctal plugs do not need to be removed unless you are bothered by them or develop an infection (which is extremely rare). Removing punctal plugs is usually very easy. Your doctor may take out the plug using forceps.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
