Problems with Jones tube in right eye

[weepy527]

When I was 7 years old I was hit by a car while on my bike.  My bike didn't have handle grips and the end of the handle bar sliced my eye from the outside corner to the tear duct.  This did not cause any problems for quite sometime but when I was in my 30-40s I developed allergies to numerous things and my eye was constantly tearing and running down my cheeks.  I think it was in 1993 or 1994 I had surgery for the insertion of the Jones tube.  The canal was filled with scar tissue that my dr. said was like concrete.  Actually a plastic tube was placed in during the surgery but was soon pushed out into my eye by the formation of scar tissue.  Another surgery was done to remove the scar tissue and then the glass tube was put in.  As the swelling went down the tube became loose and had to be replaced by a larger one. During the first few months I had a total of 3 tubes put in.  I have been followed by the Dr. yearly and sometimes every two years.  Each time he proclaims how awesome it is working and brushes off any complaints or questions I may have.  He spends a total of 10 minutes with me each time.  This last time I went I told him the tube was not functioning properly and he had to try 3 times to get the saline solution to run through the tube and down my throat.  Since I was there on August 18, 2010 it has not worked at all.  All day and all night the eye oozes with pus and blood.   He never gave me instructons for daily care of the tube.  I found that bit of info in the internet.  My question is this.  Should I call this Dr. back and make another appointment (4.5 hour drive) or try to find someone else who will spend some time with me and try to resolve the problem?

[weepy527]

This guy is that specialist, but I agree.  It may be time to find someone else who seems to care.

[JodieJ]

There has to be a better option than your current doctor.  Use the doctor directory at www.aao.org to find someone else.  Look for a specialist in oculo-plastic surgery.

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

You do need to see an oculoplastics specialist.  It sounds like the end of the tube is obstructed with scar tissue and you may need a revision.