[Anonymous]

#1128692

Hi I had punctal plugs put in about five months ago when my eyes were really acting up with TED. It has helped, in that my eyes stay moist, sometimes too much so, but it is better that dry eye. I still use drops and night ointment. I find the get very drying. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

#1039893

I’ve just gone through an episode of painful, dry eyes. The opth said that my eyes most likely opened in my sleep causing dry spots. He likened it to rug burn on the eye ball. I’m supposed to lube up during the night and use thick drops during the day every one to four hours as needed. I go back in 6 weeks to discuss punctal plugs. Does anyone have any experience with these? What are the pros and cons of having this done in the long run? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Vi

[Anonymous]

#1128693

I had the punctal plugs put in several years ago and they helped keep the eyes moister, which I really liked. There are several types available. The type I had was silicon, with a “head” on the outside to keep the plug from going all the way in the puncta. It rubbed on my eyeball when I blinked, and though I finally got used to it when looking straight ahead, it was never comfortable if my eye was turned another direction when I blinked.

The procedure to put the plugs in is very fast and easy. They don’t stay in indefinitely–perhaps a year or so. In my case they were taken out when I had lid surgery.

Another option is having the puncta cauterized closed. It’s not always permanent either, and can be reversed if necessary. My understanding is that it’s very comfortable, since there’s no plug. I’m going to ask about having this done next time I visit my ophthalmologist.

Hope this helps.
Dianne W
Asst. Online Facilitator, NGDF

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