blocked tearduct

My girlfriend had (has?) a blocked tear duct. A plug was put in for 2 weeks but her eye's watering too much again.
She's unwilling to go back to the doctor because the plug procedure was painful and expensive.

Is leaving this problem untreated safe ?
If not, why ?

Thank you.

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

Putting a plug in a tear duct is NOT the treatment for a blocked tear duct. It's a treatment for dry eyes.

JCH MD

[bill00]

Thanks for responding. I might be using layman's terminology offered by the doctor's office. Maybe some details will clear things up.--------------------------------
Her right eye was watering excessively and she went to the doctor. She told me he used a needle to open her tearduct and left something in it.The ladies at the desk called it a plug. She was told to dab, not wipe her eye with a tissue and not to wear makeup for 2 weeks - until she had this thing removed. She did these things and the problem has either remained or returned (hard to say since intermittant).

I guess the important part, the questions, remain:
1. Is leaving a clogged tear duct untreated dangerous ?
2. If so, what are the risks ?

Thank you.

[bill00]

I forgot to mention that she was also given anitbiotic eye drops and told not to rub her eyes for the 2 weeks. I don't know if this information helps.

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

Sounds like tear duct plugs. They are used for dry eye problems. IF the procedure and plugs were put in both its its highly unlikely that she had blocked tear ducts on both eyes. If she doesn't know what was done or why it was done she needs to call back for a healthy dose of enlightenment.

JCH MD

[bill00]

Dr. Hagan,
Thankyou. She listens to doctors but offers them little information and doesn't ask them questions. I will show her your response hoping it provides a "healthy dose of of enlightenment",ie.,that from now on, she'll "know what was done [and] why it was done."

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

Have her make a list of questions to take to the next visit or you go with her and ask the tough questions on her behalf.
JCH MD