Dry Eye Problems....

Posted by Bonnie on June 28, 1999 at 17:23:03
Doctor,
I am a 19 year old female.  I wear contacts and about a year ago I noticed that my eyes felt extremely dry and I could hardly wear contacts in the mornings and I had extreme sensitivity to light.  My eye doctor suggested punctal plugs in my lower ducts.  The temporary plugs worked very well so I tried for the permanent plugs.  I went off to school and I assume the plugs came out sometime during the year.  I just recently went to the eye doctor and had another set of plugs put in and they came out the very next day.  Last week I had another set put in and they have stayed in for one week now.  I have to press one in place every so often since it comes out of the duct sometimes.  What is cauterization (spelling?) and what are the side effects?  I also have temporary plugs in my upper ducts.  They are doing no good as of one day.  What are my other options?  Help...

Posted by John on June 28, 1999 at 18:51:35
I also have punctal plugs, but mine have stayed in place very well. They do come in different sizes, and it sounds like your plugs are too big. Perhaps you could ask your doctor to fit plugs with a smaller diameter.
Posted by Jeff on June 28, 1999 at 22:53:55
Be aware that if you do go for the cauterization that the scar tissue can open up on you and there can be leakage over time. I've had my bottom punctas seared approx. 4 times and the tops twice. Another dr. tried to fit plugs over the scar tissue but only managed to get one in the lower bottom. Too much scarring in the other 3.
Jeff

Posted by Bonnie on June 29, 1999 at 19:29:27
Jeff,
Does the cauterization hurt?  Why does the scar tissue open up?

Posted by HFHS MD - NI on June 29, 1999 at 22:21:25
Cauterization does not usually hurt except for the local anesthesia.  If the puncta are not completely closed, they may reopen.  Otherwise, it is rare for closed puncta to reopen.