Can you use Xiidra with punctal plugs?

Yes, you can use Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) with punctal plugs.

In one study in Clinical Ophthalmology looking at the safety and benefits of Xiidra as a treatment for dry eye, 39 of the 168 trial participants also had punctal plugs. In a clinical trial of Xiidra posted on ClinicalTrials.gov, patients were allowed to enroll and undergo treatment with Xiidra even if they had punctal plugs inserted.

Punctal plugs block tears from draining out of the eyes, maintaining moisture on your eye’s surface, while Xiidra fights inflammation and increases tear production. Xiidra is a prescription solution delivered twice daily to the eyes, and punctal plugs are inserted by an ophthalmologist during an in-office procedure.

The decision to use Xiidra and punctal plugs together will depend on:

• The severity of your dry eye symptoms
• How well treatments are managing your symptoms
• Other options used in the past

For example, your doctor may suggest using Xiidra and punctal plugs together if one option alone does not adequately control symptoms.

For some, punctal plugs or Xiidra alone may be enough to control dry eye symptoms. For example, research suggests that punctal plugs can often eliminate or significantly reduce the need to use artificial tears or other dry eye medications.