Eye plugs uncomfortable?

Question

I recently got eye plugs due to severe dry eye however it's been two days and my eyes are blood shot in the area where the plug keeps rubbing? Is this normal?

Answer 1

NO!  There are a couple of things that may be going on here.

First, as stated by a previous responder the plug is either not seating well and the edge is irritating your eye, or the anatomy of your eyelids is such that this type of plug is not appropriate for you.

One other thing may be occurring though. Your severe dry eyes may not be CAUSING inflammation, but instead they are CAUSED BY inflammation.  By preventing the tears from exiting your eyes, the plugs may be retaining tears that are full of various inflammatory compounds that are making your eyes feel and look worse.

You need to return to your doctor soon, so that corrections can be made to your dry eye therapy.

Answer 2

There are two types of plugs that can be used to retain tears for a prolonged period of time.  Type one plugs the tear duct but a portion of the plug remains exposed outside the tear duct itself.  This type plug, in some patients, can cause significant irritation if it rubs against the eye.  This appears to be what is happening in your case.  The other type plug, which I predominantly use, fits completely within the tear duct with no portion of the plug remaining on the surface of the lid.  Therefore, it is impossible for it to cause irritation by coming in contact with the surface of the eye itself.  I would recommend you go in and request the doctor remove your plugs and replace them with the other type plug.

EDIT:  I was checking back and read your other answer.  I agree that in some cases (inflammatorily based) the last thing you want to do is RETAIN tears since they may contain the very things that are related to your inflammation.  I do not think this is what is happening in your case because you are describing a very localized irritation exactly where the plugs touch the eye.  It really sounds like the plugs themselves are the cause of your discomfort.