I found that plugs helped a lot. Your situation sounds miserable, plugs would help.

Dr. tried temporary plugs first which did not help me; more than likely due to my strong dislike of anything touching my eye area.

If you are concerned about the plugs you may be able to do temporary then go to permanent.

They do work in many cases - just not mine :)

Best wishes :)

Hi: My name is Cindy, and I am going to have plugs inserted on March 31. I don't know if it will help. But my doctor said my eyes are really dry. My prayer is that the plugs would provide just exactly the right amount of moisture, but not to much or to little. I hope they are not uncomfortable, and that they will not take much time to get used to. If anyone else, has had tear duct plugs inserted in the lower eye lids, I would like to hear your experience.

My eyes are so terribly dry that I do the same as you - - eye drops every hour and the hot cloth routine. Tried the temp plugs and found such relief, only they didn't stay in. Kept washing out. After the 3rd try, I made an appointment for punctal cauterization (in April). Actually, I don't have a choice....really need the relief. Hope you go the route to try temp plugs first and then see if you need a permanent solution. Let us know how it all turns out.

I've had the temporary plugs put in just the lower lid and it really didn't make much difference, my doctor then put the plugs that are supposed to last about 3 months in both the lower and upper lid and I had no luck with those either. I can tell you that you probably won't even feel them, they shouldn't be uncomfortable at all. Good luck to you ladies.

HI, I know this is late, but I have plugs. I started with temps and forgot about them. My eyes were so much better. Then, my eyes started getting worse for about 3-4 months and I remembered the plugs. I went right back to the eye dr. and got the permanent plugs. I do a lot of computer work and crafting and reading. All of those things hurt my eyes a lot and also require that my eyes aren't blurry or burning! Well I'd say 70% of the time I'm great. the other 30% I have blurred vision and watery runny eyes. (that symptom makes me crazy...you tell me I have dry eye, yet, when they are doing poorly tears just run like crazy down my face) Well, I hope the plugs are working for you and anyone else who has tried them or intends to.

~Amy

I had plugs which made some difference but the kept falling out, so I had cautery whch lasts at least two years. It helps but is not perfect.

I have plugs as well. They feel a little weird going in but that's it. If done right, you don't notice them at all. However, since my eyes aren't producing moisture to begin with, it was a nice try but didn't do much at all for me.
I think its a matter of where you are at with the dryness. If your eyes are producing some moisture, it will help to hang on to it a little longer.