Could a lost plug be my problem?

[LouisXV]

I have a burning sensation in my left eye deep in the tearduct. I also have a runny nose only in my left nostril. I have had lens replacement surgery on my left only. I have a small blur in the left eye. I had my surgery with a doctor who does not take insurance. As a result, I have had to see someone else for care. At the 2nd doctors office I had tests and there is a small amount of opacification healing film in the back of my eye.This could be the blur although the doctor thinks its possible he uncertain as it is tiny. I am also using Restasis which has given me great relief from dry eye.I might add that although I have seen several eye care professionals none of them suggested Restasis, I had to demand it. The blur predate the Restasis. I know that burning can be a side effect for Restatsis as it wakens the eyes system to create moisture. I don't mind it but it has reminded me of the plug.  The rest of my eye does not burn. I did ask the doctor about the plug but he was unwilling to pursue it. I read about somone being xrayed for a lost plug and so I asked the doctor about it but he said plugs would not show up. I also have ringing in my left ear which arrived about the time of the plugs.So could the left side of my head be reacting to a lost plug and how can I get anyone to check it out?

[JohnHaganMD]

You might want to consider a new doctor. An ophthalmologist or optometrist should be able to tell you if the blur in your left eye is due to opacification of the posterior capsule or not.  My wife and I are both on Restasis with fabulous success and I use it extensively in my practice and have recommended it many times her at the Eye Forum. I think your experience is atypical as Restasis is the most widely prescribed prescription eye drop in the USA.

A tear duct plug would not cause blurred vision nor ringing in your ear (tinnitus). If the ringing is new you need to see an ENT physician for an audiogram and evaluation of the ringing.

You need to determine who put the tear duct plug in your eye and find out what type was used. Most of them have a tip (like the head on a nail or screw) that keeps the plug from sinking deep into the tear duct.  In the past they made plugs without these heads and they were pushed deep into the duct and could not be removed. Many of these type caused problems, infected tear ducts and had to be removed surgically by an oculoplastic surgeon. Hopefully the eye doctor that put the plug in will confirm that you did not have "AN INTRADUCTAL TEAR DUCT PLUG"  If you did its a big problem and you should make an appointment with an oculoplastic surgeon to see if it can be removed. If it did have a head on it and the eye doctors taking care of you don't see the head then its simply fallen out. Most tear duct plugs with heads fall out within a year or two at the most.