Update re: Tear Duct Plugs

October 19th, 2013:  This is an update.  Just to let you know the tear duct plugs are totally still working and have alleviated all dry eye symptoms I experienced in the past.  I have never experienced any side effects or problems from them since I had them inserted. 

I do not miss having to put eye lubricant drops in my eyes.  I still keep some Systane Balance artificial tears / drops my opthalmologist told me to get, and only have to use them once in a while.  Not even every day!!  My eyes hardly ever appear reddened, in contrast to how horridly red / bloodshot they appeared before I had the plugs inserted. 

You cannot see the tear duct plugs, unless I use a higher powered mirror and manually pull down my lower eyelid -- then you can see a tiny spot which is the top of the ductal plug, covering the tear duct.  They have never dislodged.  I take care to avoid rubbing my eyes.  I am able to shower and swim and do all the things that I did before getting them inserted.

I am saving money by not having to always buy artificial tears, etc.

Whoever invented these, they are a godsend to humanity.
Sometimes they are referred to as punctal plugs.

I see that Eagle Vision invented the world's first Punctum Plug in 1974.

Links - Punctal Plugs

Came across a link to several articles at wisegeek.com about Punctal Plugs (Tear Duct Plugs):

what are punctal plugs

Also on wisegeek.com, there is an article about the Schirmer Test - a test that helps doctors diagnose various medical conditions that cause dry eyes:

what is the schirmer test

The website DryEyeSyndrome.com has excellent resources, which includes explaining the various types of plugs:

encyclopedia plugs

DryEyeSyndrome.com also has excellent forums for those suffering from dry eyes and those who want to discuss the plugs:

forum PLUGS-etc

They're still working!

I'm happy to report that the ductal plugs I had inserted into my inner lower tearducts to help combat dry eye syndrome/red eyes are still working!!!!

I am still using Systane Balance lubricant eye drops which my eye doctor recommended, and find them superior to all artificial tears and eye drops I have ever used.  I just hope they remain on the market!!! When you find products that truly work extremely well, you sure don't want them to go away.

If anyone out there is seeking a solution to dry eye syndrome, these two products are the answer and remedy.

I am truly amazed and highly pleased with how they  have resolved my dry eye syndrome problem.