LacriFill Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Gel Punctal Plug offers a revolutionary solution for dry eye management. Designed to provide long-lasting comfort, it effectively retains tears on the eye's surface, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relief. Find a seasoned optometrist or ophthalmologist through Specialty Vision today!
LacriFill Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Gel Punctal Plug is a soft, FDA-cleared gel developed for people dealing with ongoing dry eye. Instead of using a traditional plug, it fills the tear drainage canal with a smooth, biocompatible gel made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid. This gel is injected directly into the lacrimal punctum and conforms to the natural shape of the canaliculus. The result? A long-lasting solution, up to six months, that feels comfortable and works efficiently.
What sets LacriFill apart is how it treats dry eye. Rather than sitting at the punctum like a typical plug, it creates a full internal seal by filling the canaliculus. This helps keep natural tears on the eye’s surface longer. It also avoids common issues like irritation, infection, or accidental displacement, problems often seen with standard plugs. Because it adapts fully to the canal’s anatomy, LacriFill delivers consistent, sustained relief.
Studies show its performance rivals that of top punctal plugs. For patients who haven’t had luck with other treatments, it’s a practical and effective option. And the procedure is simple: done in-office, with just one drop of anesthesia.
LacriFill Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Gel Punctal Plug represents an innovative approach in dry eye management by using a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel to occlude the canaliculus and retain natural tears, rather than using traditional solid punctal plugs.
This new approach to lacrimal occlusion avoids issues often seen with traditional punctal plugs, like the sensation of a foreign object or early dislodgement. Since the gel molds itself to the canalicular pathways, patients typically don’t experience the irritation or discomfort that can come with other occlusive devices.
The procedure is simple. A pre-filled syringe delivers 0.2 mL of LacriFill gel directly into the punctum. It’s done during a regular office visit and causes little to no discomfort.
Once injected, the gel flows into the canaliculus, adapting to its natural contours. This seals the drainage path and helps keep natural tears on the eye’s surface, essential for long-lasting moisture and comfort.
Thanks to its cross-linked hyaluronic acid structure, the gel stays in place for up to six months. That’s longer than many dissolvable plugs currently in use.
These benefits make LacriFill a strong option, especially for patients who’ve had trouble with traditional punctal plugs, including issues like extrusion or infection.
Because LacriFill is a gel that fills the entire canaliculus, there’s no feeling of something “in the eye.” Unlike solid plugs that may rub or irritate the ocular surface, this gel goes unnoticed.
Its soft, biocompatible hyaluronic acid blends naturally with the eye’s structure. That means less irritation, less discomfort, and a better overall experience.
One treatment can last up to six months. That’s longer than many alternatives and means fewer trips to the clinic for ongoing relief.
If needed, LacriFill can be removed with a quick saline flush. This makes it an adaptable choice, easy to manage for both patients and providers.
Studies show steady improvements in tear production, ocular surface health, and tear breakup time. Patients not only feel better, they stay better.
These findings are supported by additional studies that reported statistically significant improvements in tear meniscus height and tear breakup time. The consistency of these improvements is a testament to the gel’s durability and overall effectiveness, making it a reliable option for patients with persistent dry eye symptoms.
Patients treated with LacriFill experienced significant improvements in tear production, with measured increases in Schirmer scores at both three and six months post-treatment.
Improvements in corneal staining and tear film stability were noted, suggesting that the gel not only retains tears but also supports a healthier ocular surface.
With minimal reports of irritation, infection, or discomfort, the high tolerability of LacriFill has been a key factor in its success as an alternative to traditional plugs.
LacriFill is made for people who aren’t getting the relief they need from standard dry eye treatments. It’s especially useful for:
The LacriFill procedure is quick and easy. It’s done in-office, with little prep and no downtime.
When introducing any new treatment, safety comes first, and LacriFill delivers. The gel is made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. That’s why it integrates so well and carries a low risk of negative reactions.
Clinical studies report very few side effects. Most patients experience no irritation, and infections are rare. If removal becomes necessary, the process is simple: a saline rinse is all it takes. That makes the treatment fully reversible and easy to manage. The low inflammatory response seen in studies adds to its strong safety profile, making it a reliable option for long-term use.
If you're struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, contact our experienced team at Specialty Vision. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you today and learn how LacriFill can provide the relief you need.
LacriFill isn’t for everyone. Certain conditions make this treatment unsuitable:
Traditional plugs, made from silicone or collagen, sit at the punctum to block tear drainage. They can help, but also come with downsides. Some patients feel like something’s in their eye. Others deal with plugs that fall out or cause irritation. LacriFill avoids these issues by filling the entire canaliculus with a soft, form-fitting gel. There’s no exposed piece to rub or dislodge.
This method seals the drainage duct permanently by using heat. It works, but it’s not reversible, and carries more risk. LacriFill offers a gentler option. It’s less invasive, adjustable, and easy to remove if needed.
Drops and anti-inflammatory meds can soothe symptoms, but they’re short-term solutions. They don’t stop the tears from draining away too quickly. LacriFill tackles the root problem: tear loss. By blocking drainage, it helps the eye hold onto natural moisture, leading to longer-lasting comfort.
LacriFill is FDA-cleared and commercially available in the U.S. as of May 2024. Clinics can order it directly from Nordic Pharma or through authorized distributors, making access simple and efficient. While it’s priced higher than traditional punctal plugs, its six-month duration of relief can make it a worthwhile investment, for both patient outcomes and clinic efficiency.
LacriFill has its own CPT code (68761), which supports reimbursement and fits neatly into standard billing workflows. Our eye care team is ready to walk patients through the treatment plan, including costs and coverage options. The goal is to make sure cost doesn’t become a barrier to receiving effective care.
LacriFill has shown strong results in clinical studies, with clear improvements across key dry eye metrics.
Compared to traditional occlusive devices, LacriFill holds its own, and in some cases, does better. Long-term studies suggest it may outperform conventional plugs in maintaining corneal health and overall symptom control. These outcomes make LacriFill a reliable option for sustained relief and an important tool in modern dry eye management.
If you're struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, contact our experienced team at Specialty Vision. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you today and learn how LacriFill can provide the relief you need.
LacriFill Hyaluronic Acid Gel Punctal Plug provides a long-lasting solution for dry eye, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Find a top eye specialist near you.
