10 replies to this topic

[Liz Holloway]

Hi
Has anyone had tear duct cauterisation as a solution to a very dry eye problem? I have had punctal plugs fitted twice & just wonder how long the present plugs will stay in.
Liz

[Amanda Thorpe]

Hello Liz

We have previous threads about punctal plugs that you may find helpful and a personal story talks about what I assume is cauterisation. I hope the plugs are helpful and the cauterisation if you go for it.

How long did the plugs last when you had them in before?

Take care.

[Joelf]

Hi Liz,

I'm afraid I can't give you a reply from my own experience as thankfully I don't suffer with Sjogren's. However, I have found another thread about punctal plugs and also if you scroll down to the bottom of this link it describes a procedure called thermal cautery. which hopefully will give you some more information.

Dry eyes do sound a most unpleasant condition and I hope you'll be able to get some relief from it.

Best wishes,

[Liz Holloway]

Hi guys
Many thanks for info. It's all useful stuff.
Amanda, I think the first set of plugs stayed in about 8 weeks at the most but they were slightly different from this second lot, which, though not quite as effective, seem to be staying in longer. Yet another query for the consultant! I'll report back!
Liz

[night owl]

Hi Liz

I have never been offered this for dry eyes - just false tears which applied often and are okay but are tedious . Do the puncual plugs help?

Night Owl

[Amanda Thorpe]

Thanks, Liz and I hope the plugs stay in as long as possible. Any decsions on the cauterisation?

Take care.

[Liz Holloway]

The punctal plugs make a lot of difference & make keeping my eyes open less difficullt. I have used eye drops for years & still need them to a lesser extent, even with the plugs. I agree, Night Owl, eye drops are tedious but vital!
My next appointment is in April & I'm hoping the consultant will really convince me of the best option. The thermal cautery sounds great, but there's no going back.
Will let you know.

Liz

[Amanda Thorpe]

Thanks Liz. I remember well seeing how the dry eyes affected you to the extent that you needed to wear sunglasses, indoors, in the middle of winter, in the UK not a place renowned for sunshine!

I am glad the plugs are giving you some relief.

Take care.

[Liz Holloway]

Well, I'm back...with a little help from Jo!
Had punctal plugs fitted for the 3rd time & bliss has returned! Here's hoping they stay in for a nice long time.
Liz

[Joelf]

My pleasure, Liz and I'm really pleased that the punctal plugs have helped you.

May they continue to improve the quality of your life!

Kind regards,

[Amanda Thorpe]

Hooray Liz! I hope the plugs help for a long, long time! Thank you for sharing this treatment as it's quite rare.

Take care.