Punctal Cautery for Dry Eyes
Permanent Tear Drain Closure for Severe Dry Eye
Using artificial tears all day?
If your eyes are constantly dry, burning, or irritated, your tears may be draining away too quickly.
Punctal cautery is a procedure that permanently closes the tear drainage openings, helping your natural tears stay on the surface of the eye longer.
For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, it can provide lasting relief when drops and temporary plugs are no longer enough.
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What Is Punctal Cautery?
Your eyes naturally drain tears through tiny openings called puncta.
If tears drain too quickly, the surface of the eye may never stay properly lubricated.
Punctal cautery permanently seals these openings so your own natural tears remain on the eye longer.
The goal is simple:
Keep more of your natural tears where you need them most.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Use artificial tears several times a day
- Have moderate or severe dry eye disease
- Have punctal plugs that repeatedly fall out
- Continue to have symptoms despite medications
- Experience burning, irritation, or fluctuating vision
A consultation determines whether punctal cautery is appropriate for your eyes.
Why Choose Punctal Cautery?
Many patients begin with temporary punctal plugs.
If plugs continue falling out or no longer provide enough relief, punctal cautery may be a more permanent solution.
Benefits may include:
- Longer-lasting tear retention
- Reduced dependence on artificial tears
- Improved comfort
- Better vision stability
- Permanent treatment without replacement plugs
How the Procedure Works
Punctal cautery is performed in the office.
After numbing the area, Dr. Chynn carefully seals the tear drainage opening using a specialized instrument.
The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
Most patients return to normal activities shortly afterward.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is punctal cautery?
Punctal cautery permanently closes the tear drainage openings to help natural tears remain on the surface of the eye longer.
Is punctal cautery permanent?
Yes. Unlike punctal plugs, cautery is intended to permanently close the tear duct opening.
Is punctal cautery better than punctal plugs?
For some patients, yes. Patients whose plugs repeatedly fall out or no longer provide enough relief may benefit from punctal cautery.
Will I still need artificial tears?
Many patients reduce their dependence on artificial tears, although some still benefit from additional dry eye treatments.
Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is performed with local anesthetic, and most patients report only minimal discomfort.
- Call or email our office to set up a Consultation
- The cost is $300 or FREE if you have valid medical (not vision) insurance
- Don’t wait until your condition gets worse – act now!
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