Skip to main content

Can you use Xiidra with punctal plugs?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 26, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

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:

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.

References
  1. Atallah RT, Castanos MV, Najac R, Donnenfeld E. Six months' treatment with lifitegrast in patients with moderate-to-severe symptomatic dry eye: a retrospective chart review. Clin Ophthalmol. 2019;13:1033-1037. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S191635.
  2. Clinicaltrials.gov. Clinical Efficacy of Two Topical Dry Eye Drops for Central Corneal Stain Clearing Over 90 Days. Last updated October 9, 2020. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04172961. [Accessed August 25, 2021].
  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Punctal Plugs. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/punctal-plugs. [Accessed August 25, 2021].
  4. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). How to Treat Dry Eyes. Last reviewed July 22, 2021. Available at: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/dry-eyes.html. [Accessed August 25, 2021].
  5. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Will I need to continue drops for dry eye if I get plugs? January 17, 2019. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/will-i-need-to-continue-drops-dry-eye-if-i-get-plu. [Accessed August 25, 2021].
  6. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Considerations for Lacrimal Occlusion in the Moderate Dry Eye Patient. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/considerations-lacrimal-occlusion-in-moderate-dry-. [Accessed August 25, 2021].
  7. Song JS, Woo IH, Eom Y, Kim HM. Five Misconceptions Related to Punctal Plugs in Dry Eye Management. Cornea. 2018;37 Suppl 1:S58-S61. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000001734.

Read next

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. These symptoms occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Choosing the right eye drops depends on how severe your symptoms are, the underlying cause of your dry eye, and your individual needs.

Continue reading

Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?

Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restasis (cyclosporine) are prescription eye drops used to treat dry eye disease, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Continue reading

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. This occurs because dry eye syndrome disrupts the tear film that coats the eye’s surface, leading to uneven light refraction and irregularities on the corneal surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tear film, is a major contributor to this problem.

Continue reading

See also:

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups