Update: 4 plugs it is then.....

[IanJ]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd update.

I went back to David Crystal in Edinburgh.....to get uppers fitted (I have silicone lowers already)...........but after a long discussion and talking about the pro's & cons the following was decided.

My eyes are great for a few days (99% normal), and then horrible, really bad, for the next few days......I go around in cycles so it seems..............
So, full plugs top & bottom seemed a little drastic, but as everyone is different we nearly went for 1 week'ers up top just to see how I reacted......but, since I go around in cycles it would probably be inconclusive.

So, I'm going back in a couple of weeks and getting the lowers removed, flow control plugs fitted, and full uppers fitted. Hopefully this will be a half-way house to what I have now (lowers only) and getting fully done. It's what I feel I need.

The other benefit is that the lowers I have at the moment are protrusive (dang cheap NHS!) and so changing them out will be beneficial. No more rubbing my cornea.

Ian.

[Hangus]

Hi Ian
I am watching your posts with great interest as I am considering going to David Crystal with a view to asking about upper plugs. I too have pain free days ( up to 2 weeks at one point) and these false dawns can be very depressing. I have lower permanent plugs but still get dryness. I am waiting to see if my Lasik provider will do any more for me; if not it is Edinburgh for me! A paid for independent opinion has a lot of attractions after the run around and ignorance from NHS and the Lasik providers.

[brd888]

me too

I'm due to see this guy too in a few days - first time I've actually seen someone who specialises in dry eye. Unlike you, I have pretty much a constant problem but not really bad. I was thinking a single lower plug in left eye is what I need.

[Hangus]

Let me know what you think.

[brd888]

hello

Hi Hangus,
It is not until 8th May. How was your experience of getting lower 2 ducts plugged? Was it on NHS? What happened between getting Laser treatment and getting dry eye - what did they say about your dry eye?
Ta,
Bruce

[Hangus]

Hi Bruce
I initially had temporary plugs after I developed dry eye after I had one eye lasered at optimax. The optometrist I first saw had little knowledge about the condition to the extent that she shone a light into my eyes and, when they reflex teared, pronounced that there was no problem! After they had tried a variety of ointments and drops they finally put the temporary plugs in which did give an element of relief. They eventually put permanent plugs in the bottom and that has been partially succesful. After the last session they said that that was all they could do for me. However, after conversations with Prattstar, I have gone back and hopefully they might try the upper ones.
The initial optometrist referred me to the NHS consultant who basically blew his top at what he percieved to be the Laser company fobbing off their problems. He wrote a terse letter to them and they quickly called me back.
Although I feel that they should do all they can, the good reports about David Crystal and the need for a detailed examination and independent opinion does draw me to that solution. I guess it is just the thought of the cost which, if ongoing treatment is needed, can quickly mount. Having said that there has been times when I would pay anything for some relief! To think that I got the initial operation on Ebay! Some bargain eh?

Let me know how next tuesday goes,
Cheers
Barry