Punctal plugs (painful, infections, prescription, lasik)

[southernnaturelover]

Anyone here have these? I have had severe dry eye since my PRK procedure a year ago. Restasis and Xiidra are too expensive, so I'm trying these next week (temporary type). I just hope it's not too painful, the PRK was bad enough.

[old fed]

i got them. they didn't do much for me. i use a lot of refresh still. not painful at all.

[orbiter]

There is a Dry-Eye group on Facebook, and also Lasik group that you can join as a member online.
I have switched from Systane (preservative-free) to Hydrasense (preservative-free).
I have cut down on coffee, sodium and other diurectics (barley, coke etc), and drink plenty of water to keep my body hydrated and eyes lubricated.

[southernnaturelover]

I was given the choice of punctal plugs or IPL. The punctal plugs are the cheaper way to go, since IPL requires multiple visits. I haven't seen any hard proof that IPL works either.

[eggalegga]

My brother in law has had them for years. I'm not sure exactly how many, but I'd guess 10 years. He's not had any issues with them.

I have dry eyes due to 2 LASIK procedures, aging & living in a very dry climate. I am and always have been a water drinker. I also wear daily disposable contacts. I use Systane & Refresh drops all day and during the evening as well.

My optometrist told me to massage my eye lids with a hot cloth to help stimulate the tear glands or whatever. I do that every night before bed. I also use Systane overnight gel. He hasn't told me I need prescription drops or plugs yet. I wonder if wearing contacts & make-up might contribute to issues with plugs. I've never been prone to eye infections before.

I'd say try getting the plugs & see if they help. If there are issues, they can be removed, right?

Be sure to let us know how you do.

[southernnaturelover]

I know there are temporary plugs and then more long term ones that are deeper. If I get any they’ll be the temporary ones.