availability of punctal plugging in uk... on n.h.s.

[cherrybrandy]

Hi all ive just heard that punctal plugging isnt available in the uk .That you have to go privately if you need them.. I was dissapointed to hear that the n.h.s. in england wouldnt do this cos of the expense..I have an appointment on the 12 dec with eye specialist and since eye drops have failed me i was rather relying on the fact he may have suggested trying these..As a final resort... I would like to hear from anyone in england who has been given this treatment on the n.h.s. incase my information is wrong, . bye for now..

[Rebecca Petris]

Hi all ive just heard that punctal plugging isnt available in the uk .That you have to go privately if you need them.

This is definitely not true unless it has changed very recently. I know several people who have been plugged on the NHS. You may well not be able to get your "plug of choice", but then that's also true with many private practitioners.

[cherrybrandy]

Thanks for reply rebecca . re punctal plugs on nhs..

This is definitely not true unless it has changed very recently. I know several people who have been plugged on the NHS. You may well not be able to get your "plug of choice", but then that's also true with many private practitioners.

Thanks for reply re punctal plugs on nhs...its eased my mind considerably knowing that i may be offered this treatment...as im feeling desperate with worry at this time...three weeks to go..Il let you know what happens.. I wonder if it is true that instant releif is gained by these...il explore some threads about this on your wonderful site...regards and best wishes..

[Guest]

Carol

Punctual plugging (both temporary and permanent) are most definately available on the NHS. In my opinion, it seems to be the only solution that the DR I saw had at her disposal.

Whilst all of my plugs have been done privately (by the laser clinic) I was offered plugs by the eye DR I saw at my local hospital.

It seems insistance and persistance are two key ingredients to successful treatment through the NHS in the UK.

Best of luck with it.

Regards

Ian
(from sunny and humid Australia)

[kitty]

.. I wonder if it is true that instant releif is gained by these.....

While I am not in the U.K., I have been plugged too many times to count. I can tell you that my experience was not instant relief, at least not with the permanent lower plugs. It took a couple of weeks for my tear film to change. I am still waiting for comfort with the permanent uppers, but it has only been one week. I mention this so that your expectations might be more realistic. Good luck to you.

[Rebecca Petris]

(from sunny and humid Australia)

You're there!!!! I hope you have a wonderful, healing visit, Ian.

[juninho]

I have my lowers plugged (Sunderland eye infirmary) . In fact they have
done them twice as the 0.4 size fell out . I did look at supa plugs in
Edinburgh but the price was obscene , over 300 pounds ,NHS zilch .
As another poster suggested , persistance pays off most definetly,
don't be fobbed off .
Also as suggested don't expect the change to be immediate.
I asked this when mine were done and was reassured by Rebecca
that it would take a while to feel any difference .
Good luck with your appointment .
TIP , write down what you want to ask at your appt. as you
feel all 'fired up' to ask questions but always forget to .

Graham.

[Helen26]

Yes, plugs are definitely available on the NHS, although they didn't help me much. Mine all fell out and I haven't had them replaced because they didn't do anything for me other than increase the amount of bacteria and inflammation in my eyes.

Helen

[indrep]

Helen,
I am curious how you know the plugs increased bacteria and inflammation on your eyes? Did the doctor perform a diagnostic test for those?