Punctal Plugs and "Dry Nose"?

[portrgirl]

I had temporary collagen plugs placed in the lower ducts in both eyes on Monday morning. I'm not sure if I'm actually noticing any kind of a difference at all, except that perhaps drops don't run out through my nose when I put too many in my eyes. (Even that I'm unsure about... I wonder if they've not worked or fell out? But that's another topic...) I have noticed that my nose seems drier and stuffy this week. It could definitely be allergies or a cold, but I also had the thought that perhaps tears also help lubricate the nasal sinuses and by plugging up the lower ducts, you're taking away the needed moisture? Has anyone with plugs noticed this happen to them?

[LasikLady]

Not me

I've been totally plugged for 7 months and my nose feels the same to me.

[kitty]

My nose feels the same as well for the most part. When I get reflex tearing for any reason, my nostril on the same side as the eye with only one plug gets runny, whereas the other side which coincides with the double-plugged eye does not run. If the runny nose is from a cold or allergies, there is no difference in the sides. They both run the same. I just realized this is kind of gross. Sorry.

[rubyslippers]

The first 2 weeks I had my plugs I noticed exactly what you are saying and then my nose seemed to adjust and that sensation went away.

[Lucy]

Rubyslippers said:

The first 2 weeks I had my plugs I noticed exactly what you are saying and then my nose seemed to adjust and that sensation went away.

I'd say give it some more time before making any decisions. Plugs always (often) bring a period of adjustment. Many times the annoyance (whatever it is) goes away after a few weeks. Lucy

[portrgirl]

The specialist I saw this morning told me that the collagen plugs would actually last (even if in remnants) for a few weeks if not a couple months. He did say though that even though I didn't experience much, if any, improvement with them I should still get more permanent plugs in 2-3 months. He believes the collagen ones are more so to tell them if the patient will have negative problems (excessive tearing, pain, etc.) rather than be significantly helped by them. In his opinion anyone with chronic dry eye should be plugged (or cauterized) as long as they don't experience negative side affects.

I also asked him about the nose issue that we're discussing. He said that the nasal passages are just a way for tears to drain from the eyes rather than to provide the nose with moisture. I can still see how there could be different temporary sensation to the nose and an adjustment period though with that extra moisture gone.

[rubyslippers]

While I found the dissolvable ones to help, they were not nearly as good as the permanents. I am so happy I got them.

[kitty]

I had a similar experience. My temporary plugs provided relief for about a day. My permanent plugs are much better. They don't stop all of my pain by a long shot but they do keep the drops in longer, at least the eye that is double plugged is moist more often than not.