bi-lateral lacrimal drainage (DCR)

[lizibet]

Hi

Just wondered if anyone has any experience on this procedure. I am two and half years post lasik and am being bounced back and forth between consultants. The latest Harley St. man is suggesting this as a solution to the constant watering of my right eye. I have read what I can on internet but still not sure what to do. I feel so scared about anyone going anywhere near my eyes again ......... I keep thinking I might end up with more problems than I already have (better the devil you know etc). I am constantly reminded of how I thought lasik was the solution to my short sightedness, If only I had known.

On the other hand, the thought of this constant watering coming to an end, even though it won't improve dry eye situation is very tempting. I have a pre med appointment 25th Oct and operation is scheduled for 9th Nov, so any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Liz

[littlemermaid]

Harley Street

Just wondering if you had any luck pursuing the LASIK business for aftercare? Indiscrete staff in high street businesses are telling me they secretly shunt off their dry eye cases to dedicated private clinics. Any experience of this? Just wondered if they might be useful for 'second' [ha!] opinions, or even better at treating dry eye than the 'overburdened NHS eye clinic/same chap private with no equipment or staff' combo we currently suffer?

I hate to suggest seeking yet another opinion, unless you like this chap and are able to talk about doubts. How is nasolacrimal drainage obstruction or inflammation related to LASIK? Does he think it is acquired from dry eye treatments? Why is procedure to be bi-lateral when just one eye is tearing?

I am so sorry this is not useful or making you feel any better. Best wishes for a happy outcome. Glad to PM on Harley Street docs anytime!

[SimpsonDesert]

DCR procedure

Hello Lizibet,

Please have a look at the posts from member DCRdryeye who has had this surgery with ill effects. He recommends considering less invasive procedures, and mentions them in the thread below. Noone can diagnose over the internet but this might give you a bit more info.

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showthread.php?t=6541

Regards, SimpsonDesert

[lizibet]

Just wondering if you had any luck pursuing the LASIK business for aftercare? Indiscrete staff in high street businesses are telling me they secretly shunt off their dry eye cases to dedicated private clinics. Any experience of this? Just wondered if they might be useful for 'second' [ha!] opinions, or even better at treating dry eye than the 'overburdened NHS eye clinic/same chap private with no equipment or staff' combo we currently suffer?

I hate to suggest seeking yet another opinion, unless you like this chap and are able to talk about doubts. How is nasolacrimal drainage obstruction or inflammation related to LASIK? Does he think it is acquired from dry eye treatments? Why is procedure to be bi-lateral when just one eye is tearing?

I am so sorry this is not useful or making you feel any better. Best wishes for a happy outcome. Glad to PM on Harley Street docs anytime!

Hi LittleMermaid,

My original lasik surgeon has been as helpful as he can (which is not much, they just don't accept dry eye caused by lasik) I have been back and forth so many times and thru all the usual, restasis, punctal plugs, doxy etc etc. He passed me on to Harley St man who is duct specialist. He says I don't have dry eye(??????) and pain is caused by inflammation which I need to control. Before I went to see him in April, tearing in right eye was bearable, but during my consultation he squeezed right eye and got some 'disgusting gunge' (his words!) out, since when right eye waters almost continuously, with surrounding skin breaking down.

He is the one who recommends DCR in both eyes as he said 'you will eventually get problem there anyway'.

I just wish I could get the eye to stop watering then feel I could cope with 'normal' dry eye symptoms burning, stinging, foreign body etc. etc. as the pain in right eye is so much worse than the left. Sorry to go on, but once I start ............

I certainly am not going to rush into this now, and will look at non invasive alternatives. Thanks for your thoughts. Liz

[lizibet]

Hello Lizibet,

Please have a look at the posts from member DCRdryeye who has had this surgery with ill effects. He recommends considering less invasive procedures, and mentions them in the thread below. Noone can diagnose over the internet but this might give you a bit more info.

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showthread.php?t=6541

Regards, SimpsonDesert

Hi SimpsonDesert

Thanks for that, I have read post and it has certainly given me something to think about. I am going to research some more now and will have some questions to ask when I go for my pre med appointment. I am not going to rush into anything and do not want to exacerbate the situation.

Liz