On January 7th, 2019 I had tear duct plugs put in the bottom interior tear ducts of my eye lids.
I'd seen an opthalmologist last summer who told me the bottom plugs help even more than the upper plugs to maintain moisture on the eyes.
So it took 6 months and I finally have these put in.
I did quite well for a long time with just upper plugs. However, it is probably mainly aging that I'm needing both upper and lower plugs now.
The opthalmologist did a special test where they see if you have medical issues with the lids but that was negative.
This time, I had to have the lower plugs inserted twice. The first ones fell out a couple weeks ago.
Hopefully this set will stay in.
I still highly recommend others consider this treatment, especially those that suffer from severe cases of dry eyes.
Showing posts with label Dry Eyes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dry Eyes. Show all posts
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Today got Upper Tear Duct Plugs!
Today my optholmogist inserted tear duct plugs in my upper inner tear ducts of my eyes.
He checked the lower tear duct plugs I had inserted several years ago, and they are doing fine.
I asked to have the upper plugs inserted because I've been having to use more eye drops lately and thought I'd see if these additional plugs would help.
He told me the plugs are good until they fall out or get disloged by wiping your eyes.
So now I'm all plugged!
Note: He added a drop of numbing stuff in the eyes, then used a little instrument to dilate the ducts, then inserted the plugs. The procedure was painless and took only about 15 minutes total.
Also before that had regular annual eye exam so had drops to dilate my pupils. Vision was unchanged for last 2 annual exams! And I turned 58 other day.
Driving home with dark sunglasses helped keep the blinding snow from bothering my eyes. As I approached my home town, a fog enveloped the area and hoar frost from this morning was still on all the trees, bushes and grass -- quite beautiful.
My eyes are tearing more than normal right now. As I recall, for the first set of lower plugs it took about 2 days before I didn't notice them.
Right now I'm just noticing more moisture/tearing on my eyes.
So for those who try the lower plugs and after a year or two experiencing recurrent dry eyes, I suggest you try getting the upper duct plugs too.
He checked the lower tear duct plugs I had inserted several years ago, and they are doing fine.
I asked to have the upper plugs inserted because I've been having to use more eye drops lately and thought I'd see if these additional plugs would help.
He told me the plugs are good until they fall out or get disloged by wiping your eyes.
So now I'm all plugged!
Note: He added a drop of numbing stuff in the eyes, then used a little instrument to dilate the ducts, then inserted the plugs. The procedure was painless and took only about 15 minutes total.
Also before that had regular annual eye exam so had drops to dilate my pupils. Vision was unchanged for last 2 annual exams! And I turned 58 other day.
Driving home with dark sunglasses helped keep the blinding snow from bothering my eyes. As I approached my home town, a fog enveloped the area and hoar frost from this morning was still on all the trees, bushes and grass -- quite beautiful.
My eyes are tearing more than normal right now. As I recall, for the first set of lower plugs it took about 2 days before I didn't notice them.
Right now I'm just noticing more moisture/tearing on my eyes.
So for those who try the lower plugs and after a year or two experiencing recurrent dry eyes, I suggest you try getting the upper duct plugs too.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Links - Punctal Plugs
Came across a link to several articles at wisegeek.com about Punctal Plugs (Tear Duct Plugs):
what are punctal plugs
Also on wisegeek.com, there is an article about the Schirmer Test - a test that helps doctors diagnose various medical conditions that cause dry eyes:
what is the schirmer test
The website DryEyeSyndrome.com has excellent resources, which includes explaining the various types of plugs:
encyclopedia plugs
DryEyeSyndrome.com also has excellent forums for those suffering from dry eyes and those who want to discuss the plugs:
forum PLUGS-etc
what are punctal plugs
Also on wisegeek.com, there is an article about the Schirmer Test - a test that helps doctors diagnose various medical conditions that cause dry eyes:
what is the schirmer test
The website DryEyeSyndrome.com has excellent resources, which includes explaining the various types of plugs:
encyclopedia plugs
DryEyeSyndrome.com also has excellent forums for those suffering from dry eyes and those who want to discuss the plugs:
forum PLUGS-etc
Sunday, January 20, 2013
They're still working!
I am still using Systane Balance lubricant eye drops which my eye doctor recommended, and find them superior to all artificial tears and eye drops I have ever used. I just hope they remain on the market!!! When you find products that truly work extremely well, you sure don't want them to go away.
If anyone out there is seeking a solution to dry eye syndrome, these two products are the answer and remedy.
I am truly amazed and highly pleased with how they have resolved my dry eye syndrome problem.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tear Duct Plugs WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Folks,
I just want to say that since January 24th, I have been living with tear duct plugs in my tear ducts and want to report the following:
Before the ductal plugs, I was using artificial tears 10-15 times a day.
Now, I simply use the over-the-counter "Systane Balance" the "Restorative Formula" brand that my doctor told me to use instead of artificial tears. These are lubricant eyedrops of clinical strength & provide intensive therapy for dry eyes, and are made by Alcon. It is a fantastic eye lubricant and superior to artificial tears in my experience. A friend my age also has dry eye syndrome and these eyedrops alone resolved her problem!
It took about 3 days to get used to the plugs.
I don't notice them anymore.
I am careful not to be rubbing my eyes as to not dislodge them from the ducts.
This is so exciting, to have finally found a non-medical solution to a truly aggravating medical condition!
Spread the word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just want to say that since January 24th, I have been living with tear duct plugs in my tear ducts and want to report the following:
TEAR DUCT PLUGS WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before the ductal plugs, I was using artificial tears 10-15 times a day.
Now, I simply use the over-the-counter "Systane Balance" the "Restorative Formula" brand that my doctor told me to use instead of artificial tears. These are lubricant eyedrops of clinical strength & provide intensive therapy for dry eyes, and are made by Alcon. It is a fantastic eye lubricant and superior to artificial tears in my experience. A friend my age also has dry eye syndrome and these eyedrops alone resolved her problem!
It took about 3 days to get used to the plugs.
I don't notice them anymore.
I am careful not to be rubbing my eyes as to not dislodge them from the ducts.
This is so exciting, to have finally found a non-medical solution to a truly aggravating medical condition!
Spread the word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Update - How the Ductal Plugs in my Tear Ducts are Doing
Tomorrow is Friday, and I've now had the tear duct plugs in my tear ducts since my visit to the eye doctor Monday -- 3 1/2 days.
I have not noticed much improvement yet as to having wetter eyes.
They are still getting red by noon or so, and I'm still having to apply the eye drops (Systane Balance Restorative Formula made by Alcon -- an over - the - counter eye drop). I'm applying them at least 6-8 times a day still, two drops in each eye.
One woman at work told me she knew a woman that tried them and they didn't help at all (real encouraging!).
Well if having two tear ducts plugged doesn't do the trick, I can have two more of the tear ducts plugged (in the upper eyelids), which would HAVE to help!
Today I was filing and it is a dusty room and that probably didn't help.
One thing I am going to continue to do is eye exercises, just when I'm lying down to go to sleep. I've done them for years and I do believe they helped delay my need for reading glasses. I didn't start wearing reading glasses until my early 40s, and even now I only need 150s - 175s to see to read.
I am optimistic about the ductal plugs, and hope they will help the Dry Eye Syndrome I have. I plan to get outdoors this weekend, even though its winter and to be rather cold, but need the sunlight and fresh air.
These are the eyes I'm trying to heal.
I'll post again in one more week to update my progress.
I have not noticed much improvement yet as to having wetter eyes.
They are still getting red by noon or so, and I'm still having to apply the eye drops (Systane Balance Restorative Formula made by Alcon -- an over - the - counter eye drop). I'm applying them at least 6-8 times a day still, two drops in each eye.
One woman at work told me she knew a woman that tried them and they didn't help at all (real encouraging!).
Well if having two tear ducts plugged doesn't do the trick, I can have two more of the tear ducts plugged (in the upper eyelids), which would HAVE to help!
Today I was filing and it is a dusty room and that probably didn't help.
One thing I am going to continue to do is eye exercises, just when I'm lying down to go to sleep. I've done them for years and I do believe they helped delay my need for reading glasses. I didn't start wearing reading glasses until my early 40s, and even now I only need 150s - 175s to see to read.
I am optimistic about the ductal plugs, and hope they will help the Dry Eye Syndrome I have. I plan to get outdoors this weekend, even though its winter and to be rather cold, but need the sunlight and fresh air.
I'll post again in one more week to update my progress.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Dry Eye Syndrome ("Keratoconjunctivitis sicca")
Today at age 55 I had tear duct plugs inserted by my eye doctor into the two tear ducts located at the inner corner of the lower lids of both eyes.
The procedure was completely painless & took about four minutes per eye to insert them, if that. The doctor was going to numb the duct areas with a topical anesthetic but I asked her not to, as I didn't think I'd have a problem without it. Sure enough, it was just a few moments of sensing a slight prodding with a tiny instrument into the tear ducts, she shot & released the little plugs into the ducts, & presto! It was done. So I would encourage others to try to have it done without an anesthetic. If I had gotten it, it would have worn off quickly, but I really didn't want to tolerate an hour or so of having the sensation of numb lower eyelids!
This blog is to document my experience with tear duct plugs & hope it can benefit others who may not be aware of this remedy for Dry Eye Syndrome, or may help others consider getting tear duct plugs for themselves.
Punctal Occlusion (tear drainage duct occlusion) is a procedure that eye doctors use to improve the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome (inserting punctal plugs (silicone or collagen) into the tear drainage area of the eye to keep the tears in the eyes longer. I had silicone plugs inserted today.
Dry Eye Syndrome ("Keratoconjunctivitis sicca")
This is a medical condition where the eye surface & tear-producing glands (lacrimal glands) are chronically inflamed due to insufficient tear production. It is a complex condition & can also cause neurotrophic deficiency & meibomian gland dysfunction.
As people age, from age 40 & older, develop this condition which is quite common. In fact, after age 59, prelevence of this condition more than doubles!
Those age 89 & older -- both sexes experience Dry Eye Syndrome more than any other age.
It can also occur when one uses the computer a lot or does a lot of reading. Some medical conditions, certain medications & environmental factors can cause Dry Eye Syndrome.
As many as 40 million people in America suffer from this condition. Postmenopausal women may be the most susceptible due to decreases in hormone levels that can lead to loss of antiinflammatory protection and decreased lacrimal function.
People with other inflammatory conditions -- particularly allergies, asthma, & collagen vascular disease are also at risk.
People who've had eye surgery can have it.
Those who suffer with Dry Eye Syndrome are at risk to develop infections that could blind you -- such as bacterial keratitis, & these patients have higher risks when they undergo procedures, such as LASIK.
Bacterial keratitis is costly & can lead to corneal transplants — a $20,000 procedure!! Indirect costs of this bacterial condition can result in permanent scarring. Without a corneal transplant, these patients can experience impairment in driving at night, engaging in certain activities and it can affect their work performance. It can affect the quality of one's life!
Dry Eye Syndrome can also indicate other health conditions. The doctor should should always refer a patient with Dry Eye Syndrome to an ophthalmologist.
When inside an airplane, living in a dry climate, being enclosed in heated or air conditioned rooms, these situations can cause some patients (ike me!) must apply artificial tears several times every hour, with little lasting relief exacerbated by protracted blurred vision.
Those at Highest Risk for developing Dry Eye Syndrome include those with the following conditions:
• Inflammatory diseases (vascular, allergy, asthma)
• Autoimmune diseases (RA, lupus, colitis)
• Peri- and post- menopausal women and Hormone Replacement Therapy patients
• Diabetes mellitus
• Thyroid disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Corneal transplants
• Previous keratitis or corneal scarring
• Extracapsular or intracapsular large-incision cataract surgery
• Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
• Systemic medications (diuretics, antihistamines, psychotropics, cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Contact lens wear
• Environmental conditions (allergens, cigarette smoke, wind,dry climate, air travel, chemicals, some perfumes)
Caffeine was surprisingly found to have a protective effect in a research study (didn't help me, though!).
Here is a great paper on Dry Eye Syndrome:
http://www.ptcommunity.com/ptdigest/0312_ptd_dryeye/0312.ptd_dryeye_mc.pdf
Dry Eye Syndrome affects worker productivity. Personally I find this to be true, when I have to stop every hour or more to insert artificial tears or eye drops into my eyes, & it makes for reading small print & reading print on a computer monitor more difficult as I get blurred vision, eye fatigue, etc.
It also affects one's appearance. By mid-morning, my eyes appear bloodshot which makes you look tired, & people think you aren't getting enough sleep. By the end of the day, my eyes are completely shot & I look like someone that was an actor in a Zombie movie!!!
Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome
First my eye doctor had me using artificial tears & after about 8 months, it wasn't helping & I was using it more and more - 6 - 10 times a day or more!
Then my eye doctor had me purchase a new over-the-counter eyedrop for dry eyes -- "Systane Balance" the "Restorative Formula" brand. These are lubricant eyedrops of clinical strength & provide intensive therapy for dry eyes, and are made by Alcon. I purchased a 1/3 ounce bottle. The active ingredient is Propylene Glycol, which is a lubricant.
These eyedrops are fantastic, & help a lot better than the artificial tears. I have a friend my age who also suffers from Dry Eye Syndrome, & her doctor first prescribed these same eyedrops & they have solved her problem.
Unfortunately, using them was not enough. I was still needing something more.
Research has determined that Dry Eye Syndrome is a systemic disease &
that it responds well to cyclosporine anti-inflammatory therapy.
Rather than get an expensive prescription for Restasis, a new prescription that treats Dry Eye Syndrome (and has some possible side effects), the tear duct plugs were cheaper & are a drug-free solution to this condition.
I will post in this blog in the future - a week, two weeks, a month, etc. to report to my readers progress I experience with the tear duct plugs.
Acupuncture
One study was done in December, 2010 where they found after treating patients four times a week with acupuncture, that it effectively relieved the symptoms of dry eye & increased watery secretion in the eyes.
I would think it would be inconvenient & expensive to have to get four acupuncture treatments a week to get results, & don't know if it would provide long or short term relief.
Symptoms
Dry Eye Syndrome gives one a feeling of discomfort in one's eyes which generally worsens as the day progresses. You might have a sensation of burning, itching, feeling your eyes are gritty, irritated, have blurring of vision, red eyes, or other ocular symptoms.
You must treat Dry Eye Syndrome because it won't just go away by itself.
The human tear film consists of 3 layers: lipid, aqueous, & mucous -- which are produced from different parts of the eye.
The aqueous layer is produced by the glands of Krause & Wolfring & by the lacrimal gland, all located in the superior eyelids. The lipid layer located is located farthest from the eye & is produced by the meibomian glands. It functions to slow the evaporation of the underlying tear layers. The mucin layer of the tears located directly on the cornea is produced by the goblet cells of the conjunctiva.
The tears coat & lubricate the eyes & then exit through the eye’s drainage system. The tears flow into the drainage holes, called lacrimal punctum, which are located in the inner corners of both the superior & inferior eyelids. From the punctum the tears flow through to the drainage tubes, called the canalicula & then to the lacrimal sac & then the nasolacrimal duct, & finally exit into the nose & to the back of the throat. (Thats why your nose runs when you cry!)
The goal of insertion of tear duct plugs is to slow the drainage of tears to keep the tears on the eyes longer, for added lubrication. Punctal plugs are very small biocompatible devices that are inserted
into the lacrimal punctum. Punctal plugs are very small usually ranging
from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm in diameter. They are made up of two types of
materials, collagen & silicone. The collagen plugs are dissolvable so
they are temporary, lasting from a few days to a few months. These are
usually used first to determine if punctal occlusion would be
beneficial for the patient or for temporary dry eye problems such as
that caused by LASIK surgery. Silicone punctal plugs are used for more permanent, longer lasting occlusion.
For more information about the plugs and other eye conditions, visit this website:
http://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-diseases-treatments/punctal-occlusion
The procedure was completely painless & took about four minutes per eye to insert them, if that. The doctor was going to numb the duct areas with a topical anesthetic but I asked her not to, as I didn't think I'd have a problem without it. Sure enough, it was just a few moments of sensing a slight prodding with a tiny instrument into the tear ducts, she shot & released the little plugs into the ducts, & presto! It was done. So I would encourage others to try to have it done without an anesthetic. If I had gotten it, it would have worn off quickly, but I really didn't want to tolerate an hour or so of having the sensation of numb lower eyelids!
This blog is to document my experience with tear duct plugs & hope it can benefit others who may not be aware of this remedy for Dry Eye Syndrome, or may help others consider getting tear duct plugs for themselves.
Punctal Occlusion (tear drainage duct occlusion) is a procedure that eye doctors use to improve the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome (inserting punctal plugs (silicone or collagen) into the tear drainage area of the eye to keep the tears in the eyes longer. I had silicone plugs inserted today.
Dry Eye Syndrome ("Keratoconjunctivitis sicca")
This is a medical condition where the eye surface & tear-producing glands (lacrimal glands) are chronically inflamed due to insufficient tear production. It is a complex condition & can also cause neurotrophic deficiency & meibomian gland dysfunction.
As people age, from age 40 & older, develop this condition which is quite common. In fact, after age 59, prelevence of this condition more than doubles!
Those age 89 & older -- both sexes experience Dry Eye Syndrome more than any other age.
It can also occur when one uses the computer a lot or does a lot of reading. Some medical conditions, certain medications & environmental factors can cause Dry Eye Syndrome.
As many as 40 million people in America suffer from this condition. Postmenopausal women may be the most susceptible due to decreases in hormone levels that can lead to loss of antiinflammatory protection and decreased lacrimal function.
People with other inflammatory conditions -- particularly allergies, asthma, & collagen vascular disease are also at risk.
People who've had eye surgery can have it.
Those who suffer with Dry Eye Syndrome are at risk to develop infections that could blind you -- such as bacterial keratitis, & these patients have higher risks when they undergo procedures, such as LASIK.
Bacterial keratitis is costly & can lead to corneal transplants — a $20,000 procedure!! Indirect costs of this bacterial condition can result in permanent scarring. Without a corneal transplant, these patients can experience impairment in driving at night, engaging in certain activities and it can affect their work performance. It can affect the quality of one's life!
Dry Eye Syndrome can also indicate other health conditions. The doctor should should always refer a patient with Dry Eye Syndrome to an ophthalmologist.
When inside an airplane, living in a dry climate, being enclosed in heated or air conditioned rooms, these situations can cause some patients (ike me!) must apply artificial tears several times every hour, with little lasting relief exacerbated by protracted blurred vision.
Those at Highest Risk for developing Dry Eye Syndrome include those with the following conditions:
• Inflammatory diseases (vascular, allergy, asthma)
• Autoimmune diseases (RA, lupus, colitis)
• Peri- and post- menopausal women and Hormone Replacement Therapy patients
• Diabetes mellitus
• Thyroid disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Corneal transplants
• Previous keratitis or corneal scarring
• Extracapsular or intracapsular large-incision cataract surgery
• Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
• Systemic medications (diuretics, antihistamines, psychotropics, cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Contact lens wear
• Environmental conditions (allergens, cigarette smoke, wind,dry climate, air travel, chemicals, some perfumes)
Caffeine was surprisingly found to have a protective effect in a research study (didn't help me, though!).
Here is a great paper on Dry Eye Syndrome:
http://www.ptcommunity.com/ptdigest/0312_ptd_dryeye/0312.ptd_dryeye_mc.pdf
Dry Eye Syndrome affects worker productivity. Personally I find this to be true, when I have to stop every hour or more to insert artificial tears or eye drops into my eyes, & it makes for reading small print & reading print on a computer monitor more difficult as I get blurred vision, eye fatigue, etc.
It also affects one's appearance. By mid-morning, my eyes appear bloodshot which makes you look tired, & people think you aren't getting enough sleep. By the end of the day, my eyes are completely shot & I look like someone that was an actor in a Zombie movie!!!
Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome
First my eye doctor had me using artificial tears & after about 8 months, it wasn't helping & I was using it more and more - 6 - 10 times a day or more!
Then my eye doctor had me purchase a new over-the-counter eyedrop for dry eyes -- "Systane Balance" the "Restorative Formula" brand. These are lubricant eyedrops of clinical strength & provide intensive therapy for dry eyes, and are made by Alcon. I purchased a 1/3 ounce bottle. The active ingredient is Propylene Glycol, which is a lubricant.
These eyedrops are fantastic, & help a lot better than the artificial tears. I have a friend my age who also suffers from Dry Eye Syndrome, & her doctor first prescribed these same eyedrops & they have solved her problem.
Unfortunately, using them was not enough. I was still needing something more.
Research has determined that Dry Eye Syndrome is a systemic disease &
that it responds well to cyclosporine anti-inflammatory therapy.
Rather than get an expensive prescription for Restasis, a new prescription that treats Dry Eye Syndrome (and has some possible side effects), the tear duct plugs were cheaper & are a drug-free solution to this condition.
I will post in this blog in the future - a week, two weeks, a month, etc. to report to my readers progress I experience with the tear duct plugs.
Acupuncture
One study was done in December, 2010 where they found after treating patients four times a week with acupuncture, that it effectively relieved the symptoms of dry eye & increased watery secretion in the eyes.
I would think it would be inconvenient & expensive to have to get four acupuncture treatments a week to get results, & don't know if it would provide long or short term relief.
Symptoms
Dry Eye Syndrome gives one a feeling of discomfort in one's eyes which generally worsens as the day progresses. You might have a sensation of burning, itching, feeling your eyes are gritty, irritated, have blurring of vision, red eyes, or other ocular symptoms.
You must treat Dry Eye Syndrome because it won't just go away by itself.
How Tear Duct Plugs Work
The human tear film consists of 3 layers: lipid, aqueous, & mucous -- which are produced from different parts of the eye.
The aqueous layer is produced by the glands of Krause & Wolfring & by the lacrimal gland, all located in the superior eyelids. The lipid layer located is located farthest from the eye & is produced by the meibomian glands. It functions to slow the evaporation of the underlying tear layers. The mucin layer of the tears located directly on the cornea is produced by the goblet cells of the conjunctiva.
The tears coat & lubricate the eyes & then exit through the eye’s drainage system. The tears flow into the drainage holes, called lacrimal punctum, which are located in the inner corners of both the superior & inferior eyelids. From the punctum the tears flow through to the drainage tubes, called the canalicula & then to the lacrimal sac & then the nasolacrimal duct, & finally exit into the nose & to the back of the throat. (Thats why your nose runs when you cry!)
For more information about the plugs and other eye conditions, visit this website:
http://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-diseases-treatments/punctal-occlusion
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