Dry Eye - had punctal plugs in

[Sarah0722]

Hi, I'm 21 years old, and have been having red eyes with burning/itching for about 6 months now..have stopped wearing contacts, that only made it worse...Was told I have dry eyes by my doctor, had punctal plugs put in 2 days ago and now my right eye is REALLY red right around the area where the plug is.  Please help - people think my eyes look like I'm high on drugs all the time! Should the plugs come out? Is there any other treatment for dry eye ?- I've tried eye drops like Refresh and Liposic to no avail.

[Sarah0722]

John, even my other eye that is not so red, I don't feel that there is a difference with the punctal plug insert, my eyes are still slightly red (my one way more than the other), and still burning occasionally when under strain like computer work - is there anything else to treat dry eye?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. Go back to the "eye doctor" that put the plugs in TODAY. The reaction you are having is not normal and the plug may be rubbing on the cornea.
2. See an Eye MD ophthalmologist for a second opinion, ideally one that specializes in cornea/external disease for a fresh look at your problem.

JCH III MD