any way to tell if you're aqeous deficient or evaporative?

[yoganut]

I have an appt to get lower plugs put in next week. I had collagen ones
inserted 1 week ago. For the first 2 days my eyes were red and felt 'soupy' (they were already red when the plugs were inserted though) the 3rd day they felt better, after that it was hard to tell if they really felt any different.

My question is: Ive been to 2 eye docs, neither has told me whether I'm aqeous deficient, have evaporative dry eye or unstable tear film. I've done the hot compresses and eye gland expression and thats not really helped at all. So what does it sound like I have, I know I have dry 'spots' on my eyes and thats what causes the pain.... so before I spend $$ on plugs that may/may not fall out, how do I know they'll really work...in other words, how do I know that were' treating me for the right condition? thanks

[shoebox]

I have the same question

I had the same question -- how can they tell? Should they do some sort of testing?
I went this morning for my "permanent" plugs -- I asked the dr what he thinks is causing my dry eye, and he said he thinks it's environmental. (Keep in mind, he's NOT a dry eye specialist, just a very patient man who humors me). I've had dry eye since I was a kid.
At any rate -- he was a little too optimistic, and dropped contact lenses in right after the plugs. I suffered with the new lenses for about 2 hours, and when I couldn't take it anymore (wearing the Onion Goggles, too!) I tried to take the lenses out and they were pretty stuck. In trying to take out the right lens, the plug came out. Back to the dr I went.
He says I have rather large punctum. (I asked maybe that's why my eyes are dry?) and he placed *2* plugs in each lower puncta, one that supposedly expands with body heat deeper in, and one "cap" type (Oasis I think he said) that he says if it falls out not to worry.
Anyway -- sorry I'm on a tangent.
I, too, would like to know how one is tested for the *cause* of dry eyes -- or do we just have to do "trial and error" until comfort is found and possibly never know?

[Marina26]

He put two plugs in?
I can't picture that, I don't want to alarm you, but some have had them get pushed in too far & stuck, sounds like something that happens when the plugs are too small. I'm really kinda new at this though, maybe others can comment.

[shoebox]

Yeah, he put two in each -- one "body heat sensitive" one that goes all the way in (I'm assuming that these are the type that could be flushed out if I needed them removed - the Intracanalicular plug type - I'm betting it's an Oasis FormFit, because I asked about the SmartPlug and he said he liked these better) and one Oasis type that has a "cap and anchor" on it that keeps it visible and easily removed - this is the type I lost after 2 hours.
This website has educated me more than my eye dr realizes and I ask him unexpected questions.

[shoebox]

Yuck

OK I just looked in the mirror to put drops in...and I wanted to see if my plugs were sticking out cause I feel them SO MUCH and the inside corners of my eye must be rubbing on the plugs because they're bloodshot where the plugs sit.
Has ANYONE had this during the adjustment period?

I want to go home!

[Lucy]

OK I just looked in the mirror to put drops in...and I wanted to see if my plugs were sticking out cause I feel them SO MUCH and the inside corners of my eye must be rubbing on the plugs because they're bloodshot where the plugs sit.
Has ANYONE had this during the adjustment period?

Yes, it happens quite often. If you didn't notice it until you looked in the mirror, that's a good sign. You should wait a few days (if you're fairly comfortable) and see what happens. If you run in and he removes the plugs before you've given them a chance........well lots of $$ and time for nothing. If they are hurting you, you should let him know. Good luck.

It happens quite often that people get plugs pulled too soon and then wish they had them back.

Lucy

[shoebox]

Thanks

Lucy,
Thanks for the response. I knew they were irritating me before I looked in the mirror, but I thought it was just irritation -- not BAD irritation that people would be able to see! Anyway, I'm not giving up on them yet. Now that I'm home I think I need to lie back with my eyes closed. I just put Dakrina in and it stung like crazy. I need to give my eyes a rest.
I also just realized poor yoganut hasn't gotten the original question answered and I'm going on about these silly plugs. Sorry yoganut!!!

[Jumpy]

I had plugs put in and they fell out at some point, I didn't notice, then had larger plugs, one fell out and the other one was half out so I took it out with a tweezer. I didn't have any irritation with them, but could feel my body forcing them out.Didn't know you could have more than one plug in an eye or 'permanent' ones, let us know how you make out with these. Good Luck

I had the same question -- how can they tell? Should they do some sort of testing?
I went this morning for my "permanent" plugs -- I asked the dr what he thinks is causing my dry eye, and he said he thinks it's environmental. (Keep in mind, he's NOT a dry eye specialist, just a very patient man who humors me). I've had dry eye since I was a kid.
At any rate -- he was a little too optimistic, and dropped contact lenses in right after the plugs. I suffered with the new lenses for about 2 hours, and when I couldn't take it anymore (wearing the Onion Goggles, too!) I tried to take the lenses out and they were pretty stuck. In trying to take out the right lens, the plug came out. Back to the dr I went.
He says I have rather large punctum. (I asked maybe that's why my eyes are dry?) and he placed *2* plugs in each lower puncta, one that supposedly expands with body heat deeper in, and one "cap" type (Oasis I think he said) that he says if it falls out not to worry.
Anyway -- sorry I'm on a tangent.
I, too, would like to know how one is tested for the *cause* of dry eyes -- or do we just have to do "trial and error" until comfort is found and possibly never know?

[Lucy]

Shoebox, aside from any warm compresses you are doing, you might also try a cool compress. It often helps. This would just maybe ease the inflammation enough to make things better until you know what's happening. Just like the warm washcloth compresses, try one with cool water and see how soothing it is. Once or twice a day. Lucy

[Marina26]

I had the same thing happen, my eyes got bloodshot for about 5 days---just in the area where the plug rubs it--just when I made the call to my dr it went away. I was also using ointment at the time and made sure to apply some near that area, I think it helped.

[shoebox]

Thanks for the advice, you guys!!
This morning my eyes are quite goopy but a lot less red. More itchy than sore, but it's early. I slept with my Tranquileyes last night to help my eyes stay closed and moist and I really think it helped.
I'm so glad I decided to do this while on Spring Break from work!
Since I have two in each, if I have to remove the top ones (still not giving up yet though!) my dr said it shouldn't be a big deal.
Thanks again! Will do with the compresses - I have a gel mask I keep in the fridge, can wrap in a damp washcloth.