paul1940, Hey there! The doctor puts some numbing drops in your eyes. He then inserts the collagen plugs (these are the temporary plugs) one at a time into each tear duct. It takes about 5 minutes. It is not painful at all. If you tolerate the collagen plugs well after they dissolve (about 3-6 months) you then can get the permanent silicone punctum plugs.

I did not do as well with the silicone plugs....they fell out of both of my eyes in about 6 weeks. I went back and had another set of the collagen plugs in and I still have those in.

My eyes are so much more moist. I do still use Restasis and Systane Complete PF. I do not have to use the Systane Complete PF several times a day like before I got the punctum plugs inserted. I was even using ointment in my eyes at night before getting the punctum plugs.

This has been wonderful for me. After cataract surgery last year, my eyes got unbearably drier and the punctum plugs have been such a blessing.

Blessings to you....