Upper SmartPlugs

[cristinalatina]

I recently had a SmartPlug inserted on upper punctum as well. It feels comfortable, although I can't say I've noticed a dramatic improvement. No epiphora though. A member of DEZ contacted me privately to tell me that her doc denied putting SmartPlugs in her upper punctum because "it is not FDA-approved for that purpose because of increased difficulty of removal".

My doc said that removal is via saline irrigation, just like in the lowers, did not foresee any problems.

Does anyone have more information regarding this? I'd really appreciate your feedback.

[indrep]

Typically plugs are approved for punctal occlussion. There is not a distinction made between upper and lower. I will try to find the Smart Plug FDA submission.

[cristinalatina]

Indrep,

thank you so much for your reply. I am really interested in your feedback.

By the way, I can't recommend the SmartPlugs enough. No epiphora at all, even with a moderately (not severely) dry eye, and absolutely no irritation. I am impressed by their performance.

Indrep, my doc also mentioned that even if they don't fall out (and it's unlikely that they will, the retention rate is very high) I need to change them after 3 years for sanitary reasons. Do you agree with that?

Thanks again for your time.

[indrep]

I have not seen any data that supports that decision.

[cristinalatina]

Indrep,

thank you for resolving my doubts. I hope that this info might be useful to other people considering SmartPlugs. I give them five stars!

[skygoddess]

Not so smart plug?

I recently had a SmartPlug inserted on upper punctum as well. It feels comfortable, although I can't say I've noticed a dramatic improvement. No epiphora though. A member of DEZ contacted me privately to tell me that her doc denied putting SmartPlugs in her upper punctum because "it is not FDA-approved for that purpose because of increased difficulty of removal".

My doc said that removal is via saline irrigation, just like in the lowers, did not foresee any problems.

Does anyone have more information regarding this? I'd really appreciate your feedback.

Hi! Cristinalatina,
I had upper and lower plugs installed, and it seemed all my troubles increased not long after.
For sure , it could be coincidental, but my opthamologist just found what he said could either be , a stone? , in my lacrimal system, or possibly , a not so smart plug?
All I know, is it is PAINFUL , and has been driving me to distraction for 2 months. I may have to have it surgically removed. I have to clear up the infection first.
They tried the saline irrigation thing , no help, and I have long suspected that upper plug was the culprit.

[cristinalatina]

to have it surgically removed. I have to clear up the infection first.
They tried the saline irrigation thing , no help, and I have long suspected that upper plug was the culprit.

Oh my! Skygoddess, I'm so sorry to hear that. Was the upper plug a SmartPlug? What is exactly the problem it has caused you? An infection?

How many times have they tried to irrigate it out?

[skygoddess]

Cristinalatina,
Yes , the upper was a smart plug. They tried irrigation twice, but no help. They think it may be in my lacrimal sac, if not, something else is in there. I have seen on some threads someone speaking about a similar problem, I looked, but I could not find it before my eyes gave out. Any ideas who?

I am going for a (dacroscope?) not sure if that is the correct term. Some type of x-ray.
They mentioned trying to probe it out, not exactly looking forward to that . But if that fails, surgery is my next option.

I am a bit miffed since I have been complaining about this for at least 6 months. My Dr. sent me to a lid specialist, just to shut me up I suspect, and he confirmed my suspicions. Only problem is I have a vacation to Germany planned for Monday . I won't know till Friday , if I have to cancel.

[cristinalatina]

Skygoddess,

if you haven't already, please check this out http://www.medennium.com/MedenniumRe...dy%20Group.pdf. It says that probing will not help, and describes another technique that can be used (something like a massage) to remove the plug. I am very sorry this happened to you, and hope that your doctors will use any means possible before resorting to surgery. Best of luck to you!

[skygoddess]

Cristinalatina,
Thanks for the info. I went back to my Dr, and they said a probe was not a good option.
I am still considering the surgery, for the 8th of March. A new antibiotic helped some, but I was told I probably would keep getting infections.
I just am not sure what I should do.