Since tear ducts are part of the tear drainage system, blocking them may help to keep more tears in the eye. Tear ducts are blocked with small silicone or gel plugs (punctal plugs) that are inserted into tear ducts.[1]
How can blocking tear ducts help with dry eyes?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Blocking of the tear ducts can help alleviate dry eyes by preventing tears from draining away, thereby keeping more tears in the eye. This is typically achieved by inserting small silicone or gel plugs, known as punctal plugs, into the tear ducts.