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.
