The difference between punctal and intracanalicular plugs is both design and placement. Punctal plugs are essentially plugging the top of the tear drain openings, while intracanalicular plugs (or intracanicular plugs as they are also called) are pushed far down into the passage.
Intracanalicular plugs have the advantage of not falling out and, in some cases, increased comfort. Disadvantages include difficulty of determining whether they are still there, and difficulty of removing them.
In common parlance the term punctal plugs is used speaking of all plugs, punctal and intracanalicular.
To share your experience with intracanicular plugs or read about others' experiences, visit our community forums, Dry Eye TALK . |
