I have dry eye syndrone in both eyes. Are plugs the answer? If so, what brands?

Question

Does Medicare cover plugs?

Answer 1

Actually, I have a possible solution for you:
Wash your eyes with baby shampoo in the morning (yes, keep your eyes closed) and use OcuSoft Eye Scrub pads at night.
Seriously, try it.
It will be a lot easier than the plugs and it's really easy to do. And cheaper, too!!
Use SOOTHE brand eye drops and use them EVERY hour!
Add Omega-3s into your diet -- fish, flax, etc.

GO see an ocular specialist as your final point -- don't settle on one opinion from one doctor.

Restasis may be covered -- but it's chemotherapy drops and painful, just so you know. The above regiment is easy and no bad side effects AT ALL.

Answer 2

sure, plugs are a good solution. i personally am not a HUGE fan, but it is certainly an accepted therapy that works in a lot of patients and is covered by most medical plans including medicare.

as far as brands, they're all pretty comparable. i dont really like the intracannicular ones b/c if you have a problem with it they are exceedingly difficult to remove. although i dont use them much, when i do i use parasol:

http://odysseymed.com/phys/products.php

i usually use (in this order):

1) optive or systane artificial tears along with oral omega 3 fish oil
2) switch to emollient like soothe or refresh endura if #1 is not working
3) add restasis if thats 1+2 are not providing enough relief
4) add plugs if those arent working.

sometimes i'll start with plugs, but rarely. i have to see significantly reduced tear quantitiy before i do that 1st...

edit: restasis is not chemotherapy. its cyclosporine.

Answer 3

Your ophtholmalogist will know what brand. It's more, what size to put in. He or she will know if the will put them in the lower lid or the upper lid. It's painless, takes 2 minutes and is done right in the office. Yes medicare will cover the cost.

Answer 4

plugs? for the eyes? ummm I don't recommend that. Ask your doctor for Restasis, that is covered by medicare.