1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Sjogren's Syndrome

Punctal plugs versus Cyclosporin

Posted , 11 users are following.

Megheart
Megheart

Since my November experience where I was rendered functionally blind for three days due to epithelial tissue loss from my eye due to dryness, I have been seeing Ophthalmologists every two to three weeks.

Two visits ago, one Ophtha was about to insert punctal plugs but after a quick look said my ducts were too small, so he started me on Cyclosporin eye drops. Last week another eye doctor at the hospital said he wasn't a fan of Cyclosporin and at my next visit they would insert punctal plugs. He didn't look at the ducts nor did I prejudice him by saying the ducts were too small (according to one Ophthalmologist).

Personally I would prefer the punctal plugs as Cyclosporin is yet another pharmaceutical which needs to be remembered twice per day. It stings like crazy after installation and it costs on a regular basis - every 30 days.

However I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has had either, and hear of your successes/failures.

 

0 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

Prev
  • shaq26875
    shaq26875 Megheart

    Posted

    hi megheart,  I had the punctal plugs put in about a year ago now.1 of the eyes was a lot easier to insert than the other (never found out why but I have a problem with that eye since I got the herpes virus in it after a cataract surgery in 2013). This particular ophthalmologist didn't discuss any options ( I had systane prescribed by the previous ophalalmol.) the plugs were done at a routine examination just after I started hydrochloroquinne  the 2nd time round. I do get the very odd burning eyes ( under my lower lids) ...but only lasts seconds.  The punctal plugs did work for me but my SS affected my joints and muscles more than my eyes...so maybe for you may be totally different . Hope you get your eyes sorted sooner rather than later. 

    • Megheart
      Megheart shaq26875

      Posted

      Hi shaq26875 (have I got all those numbers correct 😀?).

      Ouch! Herpes virus in the eye is never kind. Very painful I imagine.

      I do hope you are receiving some benefit from having the punctal plugs.

      Similar to you everything else has affected me more than my eyes to this point. Collectively since 2007 when S.S started for me, I have had muscle pain, aching and stiffness, extreme joint pain and stiffness, balance problems, POTS, and other autonomic and peripheral neurological issues. Right now my eyes are having their turn! 😉 

      Take care of yourself.

      Megan

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.