Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes in London
A simple, reversible treatment that conserves your natural tears, keeping your eyes hydrated and comfortable for longer.
Punctal Plugs for Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
A simple, reversible treatment that conserves your natural tears, keeping your eyes hydrated and comfortable for longer.
Understanding Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
Dry eye disease can be divided into two main types: evaporative (where tears evaporate too quickly) and aqueous deficient (where your eyes simply don’t make enough tears). In aqueous deficient dry eye, the lacrimal glands underproduce the watery component of the tear film, leaving your eyes under-lubricated.
This leads to persistent dryness, burning, redness, and difficulty with tasks like reading, driving, or working at a computer. Artificial tears often help temporarily but drain away too quickly to provide lasting comfort.
How Punctal Plugs Help:
- Tiny, biocompatible plugs are inserted into the tear ducts (puncta) in your eyelids.
- By reducing tear drainage, they keep natural and artificial tears on your eye surface for longer.
- The procedure is quick, painless, and reversible.
- Options include temporary dissolvable plugs or longer-lasting silicone plugs, depending on your needs.
Does This Sound Like You?
You may benefit from punctal plugs if you experience:
- Constant dryness or burning despite frequent use of drops
- Dependence on artificial tears that never seem to last
- Redness, stinging, or discomfort that worsens through the day
- Blurred or fluctuating vision that improves after lubricating drops
- Difficulty tolerating contact lenses due to dryness
- Symptoms made worse in air-conditioned or dry environments
Download The Dry Eye Information Pack
Years helping people see better
Patients treated
Years of experience for our lead surgeon
Are you eligible?
Punctal plugs are particularly effective for patients with confirmed aqueous deficient dry eye. They are safe, reversible, and can be combined with other treatments like prescription eye drops or nutritional support.
You may be suitable for punctal plugs if you have:
- Documented low tear production on dry eye testing
- Significant reliance on lubricating drops
- Dryness worsened by age, autoimmune disease, or certain medications
Persistent symptoms despite first-line treatments
International Patients
We welcome patients from around the world seeking LASIK in London. Our international team provides virtual assessments, travel coordination, and post-operative guidance. Submit a form and we’ll support you through every stage of your treatment journey.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Our pricing is clear and all-inclusive—covering consultation, surgery, and aftercare. You’ll receive a personalised quote based on your needs after your initial assessment.
Complimentary
Eligibility
Assessment
From
£1,100
Per Eye
Flexible
Installments
0% Interest
Your Patient Journey
At Harley Street Eye Centre in London, your care is consultant-led and tailored to your vision, lifestyle and goals. From first enquiry through consultation, diagnosis and treatment, we explain every step in plain language and agree a plan together. Our clinic at 22a Harley Street combines advanced diagnostics and modern laser/surgical technology with clear aftercare and long-term monitoring where needed (e.g., keratoconus, glaucoma, retina). Use the tabs to see what happens at each stage — from booking to recovery — and what to expect on the day. When you’re ready, book a consultation or call our team.
We’re here to listen first. Tell us what’s bothering you, how it affects your day, and what you’d like to achieve. Our team will guide you to the most suitable consultant and appointment type at Harley Street Eye Centre.
- Share your symptoms, history and goals
- Quick suitability check for key treatments
- Advice on records to bring (glasses Rx, letters, scans)
- Appointment scheduled at a convenient time
- Clear confirmation with directions and next steps
We’re excited to see you at your appointment. Ask us anything — about treatments, the clinic, timings or fees. Our goal is to help you regain your independence and live life free from visual limitations.
- Discuss your eye health goals and lifestyle needs
- Full eye examination by a consultant ophthalmologist
- Vision testing and treatment eligibility assessment
- Diagnostic scans if required (e.g., OCT, topography, biometry)
- Start a personalised treatment plan and timeline
After reviewing your results, your consultant explains the findings in plain language and outlines safe, evidence-based options. You’ll make an informed decision together.
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and prognosis
- Side-by-side comparison of suitable treatments (incl. non-surgical)
- Benefits, risks and expected recovery times discussed
- Transparent pricing and payment options explainedWritten summary of the agreed plan
You’ll be welcomed by our clinical team, who will conduct final checks and ensure your comfort throughout. Most procedures are quick with minimal downtime.
- Arrival, consent review and last-minute questions answered
- Pre-op measurements confirmed; anaesthetic drops if needed
- Consultant-delivered procedure using modern technology
- Immediate post-op checks and tailored aftercare instructions
- Safe journey-home guidance and contact details for support
Good outcomes rely on good aftercare. We’ll review your progress, fine-tune any medications as needed, and be available to provide advice if you require it between visits.
- Scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing and vision
- Symptom checklist and when to get in touch
- Medication/use of drops reviewed and adjusted
- Activity guidance (work, driving, exercise, screen time)
- Direct access to our team for reassurance and queries