Tear Duct Plugs

SIRENAF42
SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Those that know me know that I had radiation to my sinus's and neck. Since Ive had issues with my vision. Blurred vision, pain when I move my eyes around, eyes always felts strained. Finally decided to get some relief, when I couldnt even look up without it causing discomfort. Nothing life threating, but annoying.

My doc at MDAnderson told me to go see an opthamalogist, after several test, she said that the radiation had cuased some damage, but mostly it caused severe dry eye, she put me on Restasis about 3 months ago. I went back on Friday, and she said there was very little or no change from the Restasis, so she decided it was time to "plug my tear ducts". Apparently this helps with chronic dry eye (one would think it would make it more dry, but what do I know). So I am on day 3 of Restasis and the plugs, so we shall see how the next week or two go. She said its a gradual improvement, but it will help. Fingers crossed..

Anyone else have this done? If so what was your outcome?

Sirena

Comments

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #2
    Have no experience with this
    Have no experience with this but am praying you find relief.

    Debbie
  • tesa
    tesa Member Posts: 123
    #3
    jim and i said:

    Have no experience with this
    Have no experience with this but am praying you find relief.

    Debbie

    Sirena,
    I know that my
    Sirena,
    I know that my mother has had watery eyes since radiation last year. She now has itchy eyes. Did your eyes water a lot? How long ago did you have radiation. Mom is scheduled to see an opthalmologist at MDA this week.
  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
    #4
    tesa said:

    Sirena,
    I know that my
    Sirena,
    I know that my mother has had watery eyes since radiation last year. She now has itchy eyes. Did your eyes water a lot? How long ago did you have radiation. Mom is scheduled to see an opthalmologist at MDA this week.

    My eyes
    My last radiation treatment was Oct 2008 at MDA. Ive had eye problems ever since. My last visit at MDA my dr suggested I see an opthamologist. My eyes water at the slightest thing. My eyes themselves are dry, therefore causes the pain when looking around and the constant feeling that my eyes are strained and over production of tears. My vision has suffered, but not bad, just strained. Wear reading glasses for the fine print, or my cell phone lol

    My Opthamologist told me that radiation to the facial area can cause the eyes to dry out just as it would do your saliva glands. The restasis helps, but when you have water eyes, and use eye drops, the medicine runs right out with the tears. Blocking the tear duct doesnt elimiate tears, just prevents you from over producing. So I am doing both Restasis and the plugs. So far so good, my eyes are running and I can look up without feeling strained.

    What type cancer did you mom have? Whose your Dr at MDA. Mine is Dr. Ehab Hanna
  • tesa
    tesa Member Posts: 123
    #5
    SIRENAF42 said:

    My eyes
    My last radiation treatment was Oct 2008 at MDA. Ive had eye problems ever since. My last visit at MDA my dr suggested I see an opthamologist. My eyes water at the slightest thing. My eyes themselves are dry, therefore causes the pain when looking around and the constant feeling that my eyes are strained and over production of tears. My vision has suffered, but not bad, just strained. Wear reading glasses for the fine print, or my cell phone lol

    My Opthamologist told me that radiation to the facial area can cause the eyes to dry out just as it would do your saliva glands. The restasis helps, but when you have water eyes, and use eye drops, the medicine runs right out with the tears. Blocking the tear duct doesnt elimiate tears, just prevents you from over producing. So I am doing both Restasis and the plugs. So far so good, my eyes are running and I can look up without feeling strained.

    What type cancer did you mom have? Whose your Dr at MDA. Mine is Dr. Ehab Hanna

    She had paranasal, so she
    She had paranasal, so she received radiation to the sinuses and neck. She's seen several doctors at MDA..main one right now is Dr. Lui.
  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
    #6
    tesa said:

    She had paranasal, so she
    She had paranasal, so she received radiation to the sinuses and neck. She's seen several doctors at MDA..main one right now is Dr. Lui.

    Itchy Eyes
    I had sinus cancer, Esthesionueroblastoma, it was located in my ethmoid sinus (right next to my right eye, and in my nasopharnyx. If she didnt have eye issue before, Im sure they are related to the radiation. Natural eye drops can help with the itchy eyes, my doc told me to use "Refresh Tears". Do not use the ones for allergy eyes, as they only make it worse. I have learned the hard way.....
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #7
    Hi Sirena
    Sorry about the eye dryness problem it really sucks. I see dr Jane at MD Anderson the Lady with the spot light, she loves to shine it in my eyes every time I see her. Anyway she is very good at what she does and found my problem why I was going blind. Wish you luck on the plugged tear ducts

    I see can clearly now that the rain is gone
    Hondo

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