Abstract: A punctum plug includes a body portion having a nose and rim portions which meet at an angle which facilitates both insertion and retention. In addition, the shaft of the plug includes a circumferential groove level with the top of the body which increases flexibility between the shaft and body of the plug. Furthermore, the groove locates the pivot point of the rim of the body radially inward which increases the flexibility of the rim.

Abstract: A punctum dilating and plug inserting instrument includes a cylindrical body with a first end being a plug inserting tip, and a second end being a punctum dilating tip. An elongated button is arranged longitudinally along the body. The button includes a fixed end and a slidable end; the fixed end being positioned between the slidable end and the plug inserting tip. The button also includes an outwardly bowing inner surface spaced from the body. A wire is slidably positioned longitudinally within the body. The wire includes an outer end protruding from the plug inserting tip, and an inner end attached to the slidable end of the button. A conventional punctum plug is attached to the outer end of the wire, and can be inserted into a punctum after the punctum is dilated by the dilating tip.