Punctal Plugs

[mikaela]

My latest Shirmer's test results  have been 1< for both eyes.  I also have chronic blepharitis.   Doctor said that my oil glands show "waxy" surfaces. 

Anyway, he suggested to try punctal plugs.  I am not very enthusiastic about it, considering all my physical discomforts, I dont need another procedure, even how minor it may be.  But, I keep my option open to any procedure to lessen the symptoms or even prevents development of other serious problems.  Doctor said that we can try a temporary plugs for at least 10 days.  if i find it effective, then we can put the plugs that will eventaully dissolve in my body.   

Anyone who has undergone punctal plugs?  Has it been  helpful/effective? 

Thank you.

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Mikaela,

Have you tried other options first before going straight to punctual plugs? There are so many OTC eye drops and of course the prescription restasis....just wondering if you have tried these or not first.

If you want to try the plugs....it is possible to try the temp ones to see if they work first. I had this on one eye a long time ago to see if I could feel any difference...then as you said...it just dissolves away on it's own. That way you could see how it feels before putting the other plugs in for a longer length of time.

Either way...I wish you well and hope you get some relief...dry eyes are very uncomfortable and can cause damage if bad enough and let go long enough. Talk with your eye doc about all of your options! Good luck!

[Ark mom]

My insurance company required me to try the temporary plugs.  The temporary ones were, oh, say, over $800!  It really isn't much of a procedure, and it isn't hardly uncomfortable at all, either.  I was trying the plugs before I knew anything that was going on with my health because I kept testing negative for sjogrens. After my opthamalogist thought that I really did have it, despite the negative tests, I went straight to restasis after trying the temporary plugs without going for the semi-permanent ones.  It has definitely helped my eyes. 

[Cdbhappy]

I've had the punctual plugs for about 6 weeks now.  I have noticed that I don't have as many days with "sand' in my eyes.  I did have a minor scratchiness to the eyes for 2-3 days after it was done.
My out of pocket cost was $685 because I had not met my deductible. 
Hope this helps .
Cdbhappy

[season]

I have had the plugs now for two months. they have reallly helped along with the restasis.

I too suffer from blepharitus. My doctor suggested washing 3 times a day with the baby shampoo which helps and I buy the little soft cloths at the drug store for my eyes too. They have a very gentle soap in them. I have to keep my eyes clean or I am in misery with the blepharitus.

[rudytudy]

In February I had the lower, inside (near the nose) punctal plugs put in.   Opthomologist suggested either that OR Restasis first.   I chose plugs because they would bring immediate relief and Restasis can take awhile.   The plugs were slightly irritating just for a day then that goes away.   I'm so glad I got plugs because when you put any kind of drops in your eyes the fluid stays there much longer and your eyes feel so good bathed in liquid for a little longer.
I did start using Restasis two months later along with dark wrap-around sunglasses I got at the Opthomologist's office.  All three things working together have helped me immensely.
Sometimes it takes a combination of things...plugs, good drops and sun light/wind protection.
Good luck to you.

[mikaela]

I have been on several OTC eye solutions for years now.  currently, my optha changed the Refresh PM to Lotemax.  Restasis and Fresh Kote are the mainstay.  I have been given additional OTC - Systane Balance.  And of course, I have to scrub my eyelids 2x a day with LidScrub but I use Johnson's Baby Shampoo instead.

I had several chelazions in the past due to my blepharitis.

[Diane63]

Hi, Mikaela!  I've had punctal plugs for about 10 years, long before the Sjogren's dx.  Maybe 2-3 times a yr still have feeling of sand/grit in eyes and have to see the doctor - some corneal abrasions - but much better than it  used to be.  I still flunked my Schirmer's test last summer and don't use eyedrops -use Blink gel tears - much gentler.  Eyedrops always hurt me and I've tried all kinds.  Procedure for plugs is painless and no big deal.  My optometrist put them in at my annual exam.