Tear tube surgery, following use of Restasis

[drw6895]

I have been using Restasis for 6-weeks with some improvement in tear production, but my eyes are still very red. The Eye Doctor indicated if this does not improve with longer term use of Restasis, I will need to have tubes inplanted in the eye which will re-direct tears to the eye lids (where I am not producing enough), which will reduce dry eye irritation.

Has anyone had this procedure done? What have the results been? Did Insurance cover the procedure (I have not investigated this yet).

Thanks.

[alisonW]

I have never heard of implanting tubes in the eyes. Could he have meant punctal plugs? They plug up the tear duct so any tears you do have stay on the eye longer. Many of us here have those and they can help to a degree.

[Rebecca Petris]

I would call the office and ask for the exact name of the procedure. Punctal occlusion? Meibomian gland probing? Something else?