Why don't plugs work?

[inthedark]

I've had all four plugs in for about 2 months. I have excess tearing constantly, but my dry eye symptoms (light sensitivity, itching, some burning, tiredness, etc...) haven't improved at all. It seems some other people on this board have had similar experiences.

Does anyone know why the plugs just don't work even though I have tearing?

[Rebecca Petris]

I've had all four plugs in for about 2 months. I have excess tearing constantly, but my dry eye symptoms (light sensitivity, itching, some burning, tiredness, etc...) haven't improved at all. It seems some other people on this board have had similar experiences.

Does anyone know why the plugs just don't work even though I have tearing?

It's kind of like asking why ibuprofen doesn't work. It may ease the pain of your sprained ankle, but it's not going to do a thing for your bleeding finger.

Suggested reading.

You have to find out first what the problem is before you throw a solution at it. People with aqueous deficient dry eye are the most likely to benefit from plugs. People with some other things going on, like blepharitis, might find that plugs either don't help or make them worse under some circumstances.

The most important message anybody tackling dry eye needs to get is that "dry eye" is a misnomer - covering everything from an absence of moisture to surface healing problems to eyelid diseases.

[MyDryEyes]

What about Laser surgury patients and plugs

Aren't they supposed to be effective for post-laser surgury patients with dry eye? I have had my lowers plugged for about two weeks and they are not helping the dry eyes. Plus, using eye drops are now extremely itchy. Argh!!

[kitty]

Not all tearing is created equal. Plugs will cause overflow of reflex tears without resulting in any improvement in comfort. Allergies, crying, or just plain irritation from dry eye can cause the excess tearing. You might consider a flow control plug that will allow some drainage of the overflow. But like Rebecca said, you have to find out the cause of your discomfort.