New member seeking advise

[dek]

Hello, My name is Ken and I'm a long time sufferer from dry eye syndrome. I tried Restasis with no success, in fact it became more painful to use as time went on. I've tried many different drops and they all only give me short time relief. I put the drops in at bedtime and usually wake up twice to apply more drops. I've been advised by my health care advisor to see about punctual plugs and have an appointment next week with my ophthalmologist to talk about it.
I'd like to hear from others who have had the plugs and how well they have worked for them.
I welcome any comment you may have, positive or negative.
Thanks

[Rebecca Petris]

Hi Ken! Welcome! Sorry for the gap before any reply. Have you had that appointment about plugs yet?

If not... before you go consider putting together a little list of some questions to ask the dr (we can help with this). Do you have any information on your diagnosis? I mean, Restasis and plugs are usually used to address aqueous deficient dry eye, but that is not the most common kind of dry eye. Have they told you exactly what is wrong? If not what have they said?

[dek]

Reply to Rebecca

Hi Ken! Welcome! Sorry for the gap before any reply. Have you had that appointment about plugs yet?

If not... before you go consider putting together a little list of some questions to ask the dr (we can help with this). Do you have any information on your diagnosis? I mean, Restasis and plugs are usually used to address aqueous deficient dry eye, but that is not the most common kind of dry eye. Have they told you exactly what is wrong? If not what have they said?

As a matter of fact I have an appointment tomorrow, 9/19, with my ophthalmologist to discuss this matter. I have never been told exactly why my eyes are so dry but it has become a major problem for me. I am a Humana member and my case manager has recommended I do this a few times. I also have a daughter-in-law who is an ENT specialist and although this is not exactly in her field she is quite knowledgeable about it and has been suggesting I try it.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Rebecca Petris]

Great. In addition to any discussion about treatments I would push for information about what is wrong exactly (this is a lot easier to find out than the causes per se)... that is, some basic diagnostic information about your aqueous tear production (lacrimal glands), your lipid production (oil from the meibomian glands), any signs of inflammation, any issues with your eyelids and blinking, etc.

[dek]

Thanks Rebecca, I will find out what I can. Do you have any information regarding the success rate of the punctual plugs and how often they need to be replaced, if ever?
Ken DeKing

[Rebecca Petris]

Replacement... varies by type and whether they are properly sized/fitted. Success rate... ditto and also depends whether they're being used appropriately i.e. whether other conditions have been/are being treated. Here in our group online you'll find that many, perhaps most people with aqueous deficient type dry eye are plugged or even cauterized.

[dek]

Rebecca, I went to my eye doctor yesterday and it was not an experience I would like to repeat. After some discussion she told me she doesn't do punctal plugs because they don't work, then she and her aide proceeded to do it anyway. The right eye went quite well, I only felt a tiny amount of pressure and the plug was in. When she tried my left eye it did not go well. After a few tries my friend who was with me was making faces that made me think she was not happy with what was going on. It was only then that I noticed neither the doctor or the aide were wearing gloves and they kept handling the plug as they tried it over and over. In the end they gave up and I was glad they did. I now have a plug in the right duct and none in the left. I suppose this will be a valid test but I can't allow myself to ever see this doctor again. My next chore is to try to find an ophthalmologist in my area that takes Humana insurance.
Ken

[Rebecca Petris]

Oh dear. I'm sorry.

Sounds like a good call to not return to this doctor. I would not want any doctor plugging me without (a) a good understanding of when to use them and when not, (b) more than one type of plug around because different types work better for different people, and (c) EXPERIENCE putting them in.

Can Humana help you find a corneal specialist ophthalmologist? You need someone who knows their stuff. It's going to take some legwork... some calls, anyway, even once you find out who takes your insurance, you need to do some screening via some calls to the drs office chatting up the receptionist or, better, an ophthalmic tech to get the real skinny on how good the dr. is with dry eye.

[Kathee]

Ken. I've had only the bottom plugs put in. I could not tolerate the one in my L eye but feel nothing in my R. I find no difference in having the plug in. That's not to say it won't work for you. Some people get some relief from them. I say it's worth a try. I've tried everything. I'm allergic to Restasis. My advice is to use ointments at night instead of drops. That helps keep your eyes moist at night. I say give the plugs a try. It can't hurt. Good luck

[MartyM1985]

I have bottom & top "permanent" plugs. They are a big help. I've had them in for over a year. No problems whatsoever.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[dek]

Kathee and Marty, Thanks for your input. Because of problems at the Dr.'s office I only have a plug in my right eye. After having it in for 2 weeks I feel no difference so, unless the plug has fallen out, I would have to judge this a failure. I'm waiting for permission from Humana to change Ophthalmologists but that may not be easy. I want to believe there is someone out there who has an answer to my dry eye problem. Restasis was a total failure for me.
I am not familiar with the top plugs, where do they go?

[MartyM1985]

Kathee and Marty, Thanks for your input. Because of problems at the Dr.'s office I only have a plug in my right eye. After having it in for 2 weeks I feel no difference so, unless the plug has fallen out, I would have to judge this a failure. I'm waiting for permission from Humana to change Ophthalmologists but that may not be easy. I want to believe there is someone out there who has an answer to my dry eye problem. Restasis was a total failure for me.
I am not familiar with the top plugs, where do they go?

You should be able to see your plugs, unless they are the kind that go in the drainage hole (which I don't recommend). But you should be able to see the plugs if you peel your bottom eye lid down a bit to take a peak near the inner corners of your eyes.

The top plugs go in the drainage hole in your top lid.

[dek]

Thanks, I learn something new every day. I didn't even know that top hole existed.

[dek]

The one tear duct plug that I have in my right eye does not seem to be making any difference.
I'm trying another approach. My wife got some pills at an eye doctors office and they seem to be working, at least a little. The instructions say to give them 4 to 6 weeks but I have only been taking them for a little over 2 weeks and I am getting a little relief. The pills are called Maxi Tears dry eye formula, they sell for about $30.00 for a 1 month supply. I did some research on line and most patients who try them and stick with the program report very good results.
I will report later on how they work after a month or 2.
If anyone else has tried them I would be interested in hearing your results.