Punctal plugs for Sjogran's dry eyes

[julsz]

I've been prescribed Clinitas Carbomer eye gel, Ikervis eye drops and Hylo-tear drops for around 4 years now. Everytime I am seen by opthalmology, they ask me if I want to try punctal plugs as my eyes are so sore and dry despite the meds. Has anyone any experience of these please, and would you recommend them? Thanks 😊

[bathouse]

HelloI had both plugs put in in 2018

No issues at all, definitely helps along with ikervis drops AM and PM and couldn't do without my daily FAB (drop of my own blood in my eyes) daily, transformational!

All done under Moorfields eye hospital

Kind regards

Sue

[julsz in reply to bathouse]

Many thanks Sue. I've not heard of FAB! I'm back to opthalmology in November so will discuss it with them. Thanks for your help 😊

[bathouse in reply to julsz]

A pleasure

FAB

[julsz in reply to bathouse]

How interesting! I've taken a screenshot to discuss at my appointment. I'm glad you've found it has really helped.

[bathouse]

A pleasure, if you google it you will see more researchIt's better than any lubricating eye drops I've tried

[Lizard28]

Yes yes and yes, they were a game changer for me, I came away from the hospital and my eyes felt great. They did the worst one first and when I went back a month later they put the second one in. Had them in for years now, I still have to put gel in at night sometimes. The ophthalmologist just let the specialist nurses put them in, didn’t feel a thing. I’d recommend them.

[julsz in reply to Lizard28]

Thank you. That's good to know. 😊

[gemim]

Hello julsz,

Yes, have had the punctual plugs and they really helped my dry eyes. The only problem I found with them was that they kept falling out and I had to wait for another appointment to get another one put in. That went on for about 18 months and then they agreed to cauterise the tear ducts ( bottom two) which had the same effect but made it permanent. Definitely worth giving the punctual plugs a try. I still use artificial tears but my eyes now feel comfortable most of the time which is great.

Gemim

[Lizard28 in reply to gemim]

When I got mine fitted, they Were not happy as it was too small so took it out and put a bigger one in. I’ve never had any problems and that must be about five years I’ve had them in. I go for yearly checkups at the hospital and so far so good.

[julsz in reply to Lizard28]

Thanks Lizard28. I was also concerned about infections with the plugs, but nobody has mentioned that as being a problem. 😊

[Lizard28 in reply to julsz]

I had loads of infections because of my dry eyes before I had the plugs in, luckily enough I’ve not been too bad as I have blepharitis as well.

[gemim in reply to Lizard28]

Yes, I think that getting the right fit of the plug is the issue. With me, they tried different sizes each time but still they popped out after a few weeks or months. Glad that yours have stayed in and are working well for you.

Gemim

[julsz in reply to gemim]

Thanks Gemim. I was concerned about getting infections with the plugs, as well as them falling out. Cauterising sounds very painful! But I guess once it's done that's it, and if it works it's worth it😊

[gemim in reply to julsz]

I never had any problem with infection and the cauterisation was quick and easy. So thankful to have had it done. Trust you can get relief soon.

Gemim

[julsz in reply to gemim]

Thank you.

[Pippydo]

I have punctual plugs in both eyes and never had any problems and it has certainly eased the great discomfort I was in before. I have eye appointments at hospital every 6 months due to Hydroxychloroquine medication and they always check plugs are still in place though I’m convinced I’d know if they weren’t as I’m sure I’d start suffering again!

[julsz in reply to Pippydo]

Thank you. That's very helpful😊

[Sky8888]

I have been offered punctual plugs but I was a bit worried about having them fitted. Can you feel them when they are in? Also, is it possible to wear eye make up with them? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[julsz in reply to Sky8888]

I've not had them fitted yet, but what I've read so far on here has been very positive. Good luck.😊

[Sky8888 in reply to julsz]

Thank you very much, julsz.

[bathouse in reply to Sky8888]

You don't know they are there, you can wear make up and swim etc

[Sky8888 in reply to bathouse]

Thank you for your help, bathouse.

[Tykle]

I've had them for a few years, will occasional replacements for those that fall out. They're bound to help, along with all the drops, and I've had no problems at all with them.

[julsz in reply to Tykle]

Thank you Tykle. That's good to know. Do you know if swimming is ok with them? And showering? I wear googles for swimming so that should be ok I assume. And what about if you cry!?Sorry- more questions 😄

[Tykle in reply to julsz]

I have never noticed I've had them. All activities can carry on as normal.

[OOL21]

Gamechanger. I had lower plugs initially which helped but as my sjogrens progressed I was applying Hylo-forte multiple times an hour.

My ophthalmologist was really keen to insert upper punctal plugs as well but I was concerned about excessive tear production. Eventually it was so bad I had the upper ducts plugged and started on ikeravis as well.

Absolutely transformational. I rarely apply drops now. I have had the same lower plugs for over 10 years now and will have them cauterised if they fall out. As far as I recall the lower ducts drain about 60% of our tears and a lot of people will notice a big improvement with these plugged.