I've had dry eyes for forty years. Somewhere along the way, I listened to the opthalmologist and tried a plug in one eye only. It just caused more pain and didnt make things better at all.
Restasis caused a lot of burning for me. It takes about two to three months to know if Restasis is being effective. It is sometimes recommended to use a steroid drop for two weeks prior to starting Restasis and then for the first week of using it to reduce stinging.
Opthalmologist are now prescribing Xiidra. I did fill the prescription but never did start it. My opthalmologist also prescribed a steroid to be used for the first few weeks of starting the Xiidra drops.
I have for now decided to just keep using Refresh Celluvisc drops and DuoLube nighttime ointment.
With Covid19 still pretty active where I live, I did not want to have new problems with Xiidra and have to see a doctor. There are people on this blog who have had success with Xiidra.
I have used restasis, xiidra, have punctual plugs in both upper and lower eyelids numerous times, sorry to say did not work, but everyone is different, Recommend you obtain a book called The Dry Eye Remedy, written by Robert Latkany, M.D., he is the founder and director of the Dry Eye Clinic at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. One of his chapters, Your Home Eye Spa, advises what you should do to help your dry eyes at home. His offices are located in Manhattan and Purchase N.Y.
No, I dont think so. Ask the opthalmologist. Years ago, when I had it done ,the first step was to have a temporary plug put in one eye in the lower duct only. These temporary plugs dissolve overtime and let you see if you see any benefit. This is a very low risk procedure. It did seem to provide some benefit. Also, the temporary plug was not (for me) uncomfortable. Do not think I would want to have instrumentation poking around in a little narrow eye duct to remove a plug. I didnt even now opthalmologist were still recommending plugs in 2020. Also, if dry eyes get worse overtime and you are producing fewer tears, there is less and less for the plugs to prevent from draining out. At no point did my opthalmologist ever suggest removal of that one and only plug I had inserted.
Drops like Xiidra or Restasis in my humble opinion are a safer and non-invasive way to go. You can always discontinue.
If you were to have a visit with Dr. Latkany, his Purchase, NY office is much easier to go and has free parking which is not the case in his Manhattan office.
No, I dont think so. Ask the opthalmologist. Years ago, when I had it done ,the first step was to have a temporary plug put in one eye in the lower duct only. These temporary plugs dissolve overtime and let you see if you see any benefit. This is a very low risk procedure. It did seem to provide some benefit. Also, the temporary plug was not (for me) uncomfortable. Do not think I would want to have instrumentation poking around in a little narrow eye duct to remove a plug. I didnt even now opthalmologist were still recommending plugs in 2020. Also, if dry eyes get worse overtime and you are producing fewer tears, there is less and less for the plugs to prevent from draining out. At no point did my opthalmologist ever suggest removal of that one and only plug I had inserted.
Drops like Xiidra or Restasis in my humble opinion are a safer and non-invasive way to go. You can always discontinue.
When I asked the opthamologist to remove the permanent plugs He would not address the issue. Again with the other doctor. (Think they might do more damage to remove them).
Having had the one experience with the one plug in the one lower duct in my right eye, I would not recommend the procedure. Wanted to mention that those ducts are important in providing proper drainage for the tears and in preventing infections. Also, if your eyes are not as dry as mine, there is also the annoying potential risk of tear overflow because you are depending on natural evaporation to dry out your eye. As I said earlier, I was surprised to hear that this is still being done.
Having had the one experience with the one plug in the one lower duct in my right eye, I would not recommend the procedure. Wanted to mention that those ducts are important in providing proper drainage for the tears and in preventing infections. Also, if your eyes are not as dry as mine, there is also the annoying potential risk of tear overflow because you are depending on natural evaporation to dry out your eye. As I said earlier, I was surprised to hear that this is still being done.
I have Mixed Connective tissue disease with overlap of Scleroderma. I have had plugs for over ten years. They help, but my eyes And mouth get drier as I get older. I’m also take meds for This and they make the dryness worse as well.
I have the same. Takes daily maintenance. For dry mouth: brush 2X daily for gums and teeth; waterpik once a day; xylimelts or biotene.
Dry eyes: gently scrub eye lids in the morning; systane liquid tears; PM ointment at night; RX for pataday. I am finding that an eye mask at night helps keep moisture in.
No, I dont think so. Ask the opthalmologist. Years ago, when I had it done ,the first step was to have a temporary plug put in one eye in the lower duct only. These temporary plugs dissolve overtime and let you see if you see any benefit. This is a very low risk procedure. It did seem to provide some benefit. Also, the temporary plug was not (for me) uncomfortable. Do not think I would want to have instrumentation poking around in a little narrow eye duct to remove a plug. I didnt even now opthalmologist were still recommending plugs in 2020. Also, if dry eyes get worse overtime and you are producing fewer tears, there is less and less for the plugs to prevent from draining out. At no point did my opthalmologist ever suggest removal of that one and only plug I had inserted.
Drops like Xiidra or Restasis in my humble opinion are a safer and non-invasive way to go. You can always discontinue.
Well guys, I asked my doc for Restatis today and it came in at $540 (my portion) for a 90 day script. Disappointing. I'm on Medicare with a Blue Cross Plan G supplement insurance. Not favorable to my budget so scratch Restatis. Maybe next year when I can switch to a more accommodating drug plan.
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Does any one know if permanent plugs can be removed?
@veteran1950 Thanks so much for this useful information.
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2 ReactionsNo, I dont think so. Ask the opthalmologist. Years ago, when I had it done ,the first step was to have a temporary plug put in one eye in the lower duct only. These temporary plugs dissolve overtime and let you see if you see any benefit. This is a very low risk procedure. It did seem to provide some benefit. Also, the temporary plug was not (for me) uncomfortable. Do not think I would want to have instrumentation poking around in a little narrow eye duct to remove a plug. I didnt even now opthalmologist were still recommending plugs in 2020. Also, if dry eyes get worse overtime and you are producing fewer tears, there is less and less for the plugs to prevent from draining out. At no point did my opthalmologist ever suggest removal of that one and only plug I had inserted.
Drops like Xiidra or Restasis in my humble opinion are a safer and non-invasive way to go. You can always discontinue.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIf you were to have a visit with Dr. Latkany, his Purchase, NY office is much easier to go and has free parking which is not the case in his Manhattan office.
When I asked the opthamologist to remove the permanent plugs He would not address the issue. Again with the other doctor. (Think they might do more damage to remove them).
Having had the one experience with the one plug in the one lower duct in my right eye, I would not recommend the procedure. Wanted to mention that those ducts are important in providing proper drainage for the tears and in preventing infections. Also, if your eyes are not as dry as mine, there is also the annoying potential risk of tear overflow because you are depending on natural evaporation to dry out your eye. As I said earlier, I was surprised to hear that this is still being done.
Yes, I agree.
Will check out that book on dry eyes. Thanks.
I have the same. Takes daily maintenance. For dry mouth: brush 2X daily for gums and teeth; waterpik once a day; xylimelts or biotene.
Dry eyes: gently scrub eye lids in the morning; systane liquid tears; PM ointment at night; RX for pataday. I am finding that an eye mask at night helps keep moisture in.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWell guys, I asked my doc for Restatis today and it came in at $540 (my portion) for a 90 day script. Disappointing. I'm on Medicare with a Blue Cross Plan G supplement insurance. Not favorable to my budget so scratch Restatis. Maybe next year when I can switch to a more accommodating drug plan.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions