Punctal plugs are tiny plastic tubes that can be inserted into the puncta of either the upper or lower eyelid. Puncta, also known as the Lower Punctum and the Upper Punctum separately, are the tiny apertures in the eyelids that can be seen on the inner edge of your eyes. The nasolacrimal system is made up of the canaliculi, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct, and puncta. By blocking one or both puncta, you can help delay the flow of tears and keep more fluid on the layer of the eye. Punctal plugs are routinely used to alleviate the effects of dry eye disease. Let us know “How Much Do Punctal Plugs Costs?”.
The cost of a punctal plug varies based on the eye doctor you see, the type of plug you get, where you reside, and whether you have insurance. Punctal plugs often cost between $350 and $650 if you don’t have health insurance.
The Types & Cost
- Permanent Plugs
You would have to pay between $75 and $150 for a designated permanent plug. Typically, they come in sterile packs with just one plug and a single-use applicator for the plug.
These are made with long lifespans in mind. They don’t disappear.
Materials, shapes, and sizes of these plugs come in a wide variety. Multiple designs have been developed to modify the quantity of tear drainage.
- Temporary Plugs
You may have to pay between $30 and $150 for a unit of temporary plugs. They arrive in a sterile container with two plugs, usually. These are collagen-based and intended to disappear within several days to several months. Temporary plugs are available in various diameters, ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. They have a length of about 2mm.
Temporary plugs are highly helpful because they are simple for the doctor to install and cause little to no discomfort when they are in your puncta or while you are wearing them. They don’t need to be taken out because they disappear over time.
The Insurance Factor
If Insured
Consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses with health insurance often include copays for doctor visits, prescription drug copays, or coinsurance of 10%–50%. Insurance often pays for dry eye treatment.
If Not Insured
An early doctor visit to detect dry eye can cost anywhere from $50 to nearly $250 or more for those without health insurance. Warm rubs and over-the-counter simulated tears can be treated for less than $25 per month. Prescription eye lubricants can run you anywhere from $30 to $300 per month or more. Additionally, the cost of punctal occlusion, in which a doctor places microscopic devices known as punctal plugs into the tear ducts to stop tears from draining, can range from $250 to $650.
The Need
Whenever the eyes do not generate enough tears to lubricate them or when the tears evaporate quickly, dry eye occurs. It is typically brought on by aging, but it can also be brought on by a dry atmosphere, certain inflammatory illnesses, or, very infrequently, a vitamin deficiency. Dryness, pain, and burning eyes are possible symptoms. This is the high time to realize that punctal plugs are needed.
The Other Factors
For $10 to $20, Drugstore.com sells artificial tears without preservatives. On Drugstore.com, a jar of the prescription eye lubricant FreshKote runs about $35. The price of a month’s worth of the name-brand prescription eye emulsion Restasis, when administered twice daily, is about $300. Lacrisert brand prescription eye lubricant inserts typically cost $300 per month.
In Florida, Lakewood Family Eye Care charges $250 to $500 for punctal plugs that are inserted into the tear ducts. Customers at HealthBoards.com estimate spending between $500 and 650. Sunglasses or other specialized eye protection for dry eyes can protect the eyes and help them retain moisture. Typically, these cost $15 to $150 or more.
Conclusion
A less frequent detrimental impact is when the plug inflames the tear duct and its surroundings. An infection, an allergy to the plugs, or a mechanical irritant could all be to blame for this. No artificial thing could ever replace the natural & real one. So, consider these factors more than the cost factors. And even if you consider cost factors, you have every possible option to adjust your cost. If permanent plugs seem costly to you, go for a temporary one. If you are not insured, get yourself insured first. The Decision completely depends on your situation. So, go through the article, understand and decide wisely.
FAQs
- When should punctal plugs be replaced?
Generally speaking, plugs should be replaced every 12 to 24 months.
- Do punctal plugs cause pain?
The implantation may cause some people a little discomfort, but the plugs are typically painless.
- Do punctal plugs get stuck?
Yes, it may become trapped there, resulting in inflammation and system blockage.
- Are puncture plugs covered by Medicare?
Yes, both temporary plugs are placed as part of a diagnostic procedure and permanent plugs are covered by Medicare for punctal occlusion.
