Collagen plugs dissolve on their own, usually within a few days of insertion. They are a great way to determine whether you might be a good candidate for permanent punctal plugs.

Some patients will experience tear overflow (epiphora) with punctal plugs. If they go straight to permanent plugs, then depending what type they get it may be difficult to remove them. Collagen plugs will not prove whether silicone plugs will help, but they can help rule out patients who will have overflow or who simply are very unlikely to benefit.