Sjogrens World Forums

Hi all,

Does anyone else have problems with inflammation/infections resulting from punctual plugs (any variety)?

This is the second time that I've gotten an infection in my left eye (the driest one), and having to do the whole steroid drops and an antibiotic thing again....ugh.

I wonder if this is something that is fairly common to AI communities or do you think its an inherent risk with plug usage in general? 

Take care of yourselves -

Patze

I'm so sorry, Patze.  It must be awful to deal with the infection.  I was blessed with mine.  The only problem I had was irritation for a couple of days and my dark circles under the eye seem to be even more pronounced.  I certainly hope that you will get relief soon.

Patze:

So very sorry you're having to deal with this.  Can't be very pleasant for you and an eye infection is not something one can hide under a scarf as I am doing with a really red rash on my scalp.  Well I suppose you could hide it under a scarf as long as you aren't driving at the time. 

Seriously though, when my eyes became problematic with dryness issues, I tried two different sets of punctual plugs and did not experience any inflammation/infection issues with them, but ended up getting Inferior Punctual Occlusions (lower puncta was cauterized shut) as the plugs kept falling out.  Perhaps you may wish to consider this procedure as an alternative solution if you find that the inflammation/infections are repeatedly an issue for you.

I am also wondering if its possible that you may have a sensitivity to the material used in the plugs which may be at the root of this problem?

In any case, hoping that your eyes get better soon.
Hugs,
Daisy

Another thought, Patze, that is working successful for me is to sleep in a sleep mask and also to use a eye cup (mine is glass) and use distilled water and rinse my eyes after cleaning lashes with baby shampoo in morning and disinfecting eye cup with spray bottle of clorox.

Chickpea put me on to meibonain glandular dysfunction(MGD) and Duke Corneal Specialist said my glands were clogged; are yours?

He plugged my bottom tear ducts 2 yrs ago.

Last visit he had a Fellow doctor talk with me about daily eye hygiene. The above has kept me from having any eye infections. 

Also, I use my Nettie Bottle faithfully every day and especially if outside where pollen, duct, etc. can enter nasal area.

Hi Daisy, the opthamologist also mentioned that I might just be sensitive to the material in the plug (its a different maker than the others).  The doc pulled it out as she didn't want anymore damage to be done.  Not looking forward to "extra" dryness in that eye.

Hi Newhorizons, yeah I have MGD and have had it for years now.  Nope, the glands have never been expressed and I wonder if it would help things?  I have to see the doctor in a couple of weeks and I'll have to ask her.

I use a sleep mask made for sensitive and dry eyes, but I've not come across an eye glass cup yet.  Using distilled water after the bi-daily cleansing?  Thanks for the heads up, I'm going to have to try that.


Patze

I've heard of getting an infection in the duct under the plug.

I wonder if it could be an allergy? You could look into a different plug that is made from a different material.

I've read plugs that sit on top of the lid can cause irritation compared to plugs that sit under the lid. Maybe if a plug that sits on top of the lid that causes irritation could allow an infection to happen in the irritated part of the eye?

You know Jason, the infection was under the plug and even with a steroid drop and a heavy duty antibiotic, its still very painful and feels like there is something in my eye (the plug was removed).  The itching is not to be believed...whew, sure can't wait until the healing starts.

I've talked to the opthamologist about putting in different plugs, but she's not really wanting to do that (she's convinced that I'm developing an allergy - oh boy ::)).

And lets not mention the cost (my insurance would not cover it, ugh). :o



Patze

Quote from: Patze on October 28, 2011, 08:03:07 PM
You know Jason, the infection was under the plug and even with a steroid drop and a heavy duty antibiotic, its still very painful and feels like there is something in my eye (the plug was removed).  The itching is not to be believed...whew, sure can't wait until the healing starts.

I've talked to the opthamologist about putting in different plugs, but she's not really wanting to do that (she's convinced that I'm developing an allergy - oh boy ::)).

And lets not mention the cost (my insurance would not cover it, ugh). :o



Patze

I have that problem as well where it takes a real long time to heal up. Sometimes I don't completely heal up. i.e. I banged my knuckle on something well over a year go. I could hardly bend my finger for two months as it was too painfull. It mostly healed up but bothers me at times like arthritis is in the joint. I had a back strain 5 years ago that turned into a chronic sore muscle. I had shingles on that side that could have had something to do with it.

I just started on Restasis and the eye doc talked about putting plugs in after 2 months of Restasis. I'll have to check on price as right now I'm paying out of pocket. But I didn't think it would be much as I've read it's done fairly fast.

Is the cost mostly from the plug, or from the office visit?

Hi Jason,

Now I don't pay out of pocket for the opthamologist, but the plugs cost me $75 per one.  I know that some folks pay less, so I guess it depends on where you live and the type of plug that your doctor will insert (usually insertion is pretty fast and painless (the 1st opthamologist that put in the plugs was so rough that I about jumped out of the chair and that was with numbing drops.  The doctor I have now is very gentle, and the last time she put in one I felt it, but it wasn't painful)).

The cost I was referring to (should have been clearer), is the liquid steroid, oh my gosh, I was in sticker shock when the pharmacist explained the cost!  A 5ml bottle would have cost me almost a hundred and fifty if I didn't have one of those cards from the manufacturer (saved me a hundred as the insurance would not pay for it - the med is too new).

Take care of yourself -

Patze