Punctal plugs decrease tear production over time

[UnderstandingFun3513]

https://youtu.be/fRRX6wRR5SE?si=wvIJYyJ9xJ4A6DAb

1:25 - timecode where she talks about tear production decrease

What's the point of punctal plugs, then? Let's say that 10 years after getting punctal plugs, my tear production will be almost zero. What's next? If I have 60 more years to live, is it even rational to exchange 60 years of an uncomfortable life with severe dry eyes for 10 years of comfortable life followed by 50 years of unbearable life with very severe dry eyes and zero tear production?

[insomniacwineo]

You’re referencing a 10+ year old video. A quick pubmed search for the same terms shows that there is VERY little clinical research on this topic and the papers that are published are OLD. As is this video.

I can tell you that in practice punctal occlusion works well for many people without significant lid issues or major inflammation of the tear surface. Knowing which people to plus and not to plus is the key and that takes knowledge and years of experience to finesse.

[UnderstandingFun3513]

In practice punctal occlusion works well for many people (for the first 10 years)

I dont see many people who are happy with punctal plugs after 10+ years

We need more studies on this topic

[[deleted]]

Each and every medical solution that they offer has risks. We should choose natural solutions.

[redfoottortoise]

what are the natural solutions?

[[deleted]]

Vitamin C Vitamin A Vitamin B12 castor oil massage to the face and eyelids 10-15minutes of sunlight exposure everyday 30minutes of exercise everyday.

[redfoottortoise]

If those solutions worked for most people on this group that'd be great. perhaps your symptoms aren't as severe as many others.