How safe and effective are tear duct plugs for treating adults with dry eyes?

Abstract

Silicon plugs alone or after temporary collagen plugs are effective for alleviating moderate to severe dry-eye symptoms in adults in whom topical or systemic medical treatments have failed. Reported adverse effects include tear overflow, inflammation, and spontaneous plug loss. (SOR: B, based on 2 small RCTs and an evidence-based guideline of descriptive studies.)