Lacrifill is a revolutionary gel treatment for dry eye that enhances tear retention and comfort. Our network of leading eye care specialists can help assess if this innovative solution is suitable for your needs.
Lacrifill is a novel gel treatment designed specifically to relieve dry eye symptoms by enhancing tear retention. This treatment works by temporarily blocking the tear drainage channels within the eyelids, allowing your natural tears to keep your eyes comfortably lubricated. With effects lasting up to six months, Lacrifill offers a longer-lasting relief compared to traditional eye drops or plugs.
Lacrifill is a cutting-edge treatment option that uses a cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative to fill the lacrimal drainage system. By gently occluding the puncta—small openings in the eyelids—Lacrifill minimizes tear drainage and helps maintain a robust tear film on the ocular surface. This process not only enhances natural tear retention but also offers immediate and sustained relief from discomfort associated with dryness, irritation, and burning sensations.
At its core, Lacrifill is formulated to be biocompatible and adaptable to the patient’s unique anatomy. The cross-linked hyaluronic acid is engineered to be soft yet firm enough to adhere to the delicate walls of the canalicular system, ensuring that the gel remains in place for long durations. Because hyaluronic acid naturally retains moisture, it forms a protective barrier that helps stabilize the tear film and reduces tear evaporation.
In essence, Lacrifill acts as a temporary plug that boosts tear retention and helps soothe the ocular surface, making it an excellent alternative for those who do not achieve sufficient relief with standard therapies alone.
Here’s the thing: our eyes are designed to produce tears continuously, but in conditions such as dry eye, tears either evaporate too quickly or drain away before they can adequately moisturize the surface. Lacrifill addresses this imbalance by filling the canalicular system with a specialized gel that gently obstructs tear drainage. This blockage allows for increased contact time between the tear film and the eye’s surface, which results in significant symptomatic improvement.
The treatment process involves the following key steps:
This method is both comfortable and efficient, making it a popular choice among our eye doctors for providing dependable, long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.
Recent clinical studies have provided promising data on the effectiveness of Lacrifill for treating dry eye. In one single-site, open-label study involving 74 participants who were dissatisfied with artificial tears, patients received bilateral injections of Lacrifill in the lower canaliculus. The treatment was evaluated using various measurements such as the Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and tear meniscus height.
Key outcomes from the clinical study include:
Furthermore, patients reported significant symptomatic relief. In a telephone questionnaire conducted 6 months after the procedure, 63% of respondents noted that their eyes felt better, and 57% felt that their eyes remained wetter throughout the day. Importantly, the study documented a high tolerance for the treatment, with the vast majority of patients experiencing no significant side effects.
Another pivotal randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial, known as the HaLF DOME trial, further supports Lacrifill's efficacy and safety profile. In this study involving 157 patients, those treated with Lacrifill showed a remarkable 63% increase in Schirmer scores at 3 months and nearly a 67% improvement at 6 months. Additionally, over 83% of the Lacrifill-treated patients experienced a meaningful reduction in dry eye symptoms according to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores.
Lacrifill offers multiple advantages that make it a superior option for patients struggling with dry eye symptoms. These benefits make Lacrifill a compelling choice, especially for patients who have not achieved satisfactory relief with conventional treatments. It also provides an attractive option for perioperative management of dry eye, ensuring that patients maintain ocular moisture before and after surgical procedures.Here are some of the standout benefits:
One treatment can provide benefits for up to six months, reducing the constant need for artificial tear supplements.
The gel’s formulation ensures a soft, comfortable fit in the canalicular system, conforming to each patient’s unique anatomy.
By retaining natural tears, Lacrifill stabilizes the tear film, which helps reduce irritation and the risk of corneal damage.
The protective, hydrating properties facilitate the repair of the corneal epithelium, which can be damaged in chronic dry eye cases.
With minimal discomfort during administration and few reported side effects, Lacrifill is well tolerated by a wide range of patients, including those with sensitive eyes.
The in-office procedure is quick and straightforward, often performed using just topical anesthetic without the need for injections or sutures.
If you're tired of dry eye discomfort, contact one of the expert eye care practices listed with Specialty Vision today. Our network features top optometrists and ophthalmologists who can assess your condition and determine if Lacrifill is the right solution for you. Schedule an appointment now to get started on your path to relief.
The application of Lacrifill is designed to be efficient and minimally invasive. During the procedure, our eye doctors begin by administering a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Following anesthesia, the Lacrifill gel is injected gently into the lower punctum using a precision cannula.
The process is quite similar to performing routine lacrimal irrigations, making it an easily adoptable procedure in any eye care setting. The detailed but straightforward steps of the procedure are as follows:
This method of insertion is both precise and comfortable, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort. Because Lacrifill fills the canaliculus entirely, it provides an optimal seal to reduce tear drainage while being reversible if adjustments are necessary. The gel’s unique cross-linked structure ensures that it remains in place until its gradual resorption at the end of the six-month period.
Safety is a crucial factor when it comes to any ocular treatment, and Lacrifill has demonstrated an excellent safety profile in multiple studies. The unique properties of cross-linked hyaluronic acid make Lacrifill both biocompatible and gentle on the eye’s tissues. Clinical studies have shown that most patients experience little to no discomfort during and after the procedure, with reported pain scores remaining very low.
In one study, only a small percentage of patients, approximately 1 in 20, experienced minor discomfort during the insertion process. Overall, adverse effects were minimal, with only isolated instances of slight eye irritation or transient increases in corneal staining. Importantly, Lacrifill does not have the external components that can sometimes attract bacteria; it stays completely inside the canalicular system, reducing the risk of infections or complications associated with external plugs.
Given these findings, our eye doctors confidently recommend Lacrifill as a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with dry eye symptoms, even among those with sensitive ocular tissue. The reversible nature of the treatment also adds a layer of reassurance, enabling repeat treatments without long-term adverse effects.
The effects of the treatment are designed to endure for up to six months, offering extended relief from dry eye symptoms.
Lacrifill is inserted using a minimally invasive technique with topical anesthetic, which means that most patients experience very little discomfort—in fact, reported pain levels have been very low in clinical studies.
Yes, if the effects wane over time, the procedure can be safely repeated to maintain tear retention and symptom relief.
Lacrifill is most beneficial for patients with reduced tear production, unstable tear film parameters, and significant dry eye symptoms, including those preparing for ocular surgeries.
If you're tired of dry eye discomfort, contact one of the expert eye care practices listed with Specialty Vision today. Our network features top optometrists and ophthalmologists who can assess your condition and determine if Lacrifill is the right solution for you. Schedule an appointment now to get started on your path to relief.
Lacrifill offers a novel, long-lasting treatment for dry eye, enhancing tear retention and comfort. Find a specialist near you at Specialty Vision.
