What Is Lacrifill from an Optometrist Near You and How Does It Help with Dry Eye?

Dry eye can feel like your eyes are constantly pleading for relief—gritty, red, tired, or teary for no good reason. At Fall River Vision, your destination for eye care Fall River, MA, we’re always watching for safe, effective ways to help patients find comfort. One of the options we offer is Lacrifill, a small but impactful treatment that helps keep the eyes hydrated longer. If you are looking for relief from dry eye Fall River, MA, from an eye doctor near you / optometrist near you, we are here to help.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. It can be linked to aging, screen time, medications, or certain medical conditions. Common symptoms include burning, itchiness, blurred vision, and a sensation like there’s something in your eye. Treating dry eye early can prevent long-term damage and improve day-to-day quality of life.

What Is Lacrifill?

Lacrifill is a soft, comfortable gel that inserted is into the tear drainage ducts (also called puncta) of the lower eyelids. Once inserted, it blocks excessive tear drainage, allowing your natural tears—and any lubricating eye drops you use—to stay on the surface of your eye longer.

This simple procedure is similar to punctal plugs, but Lacrifill is different in a few ways. It’s made from a naturally dissolvable substance (hyaluronic acid) that is gentle on tissues. Being of a gel like nature, it fits into your eyes more comfortably, it lasts longer than plugs, and it blocks tear drainage more effectively.  Over time, the gel naturally breaks down and is absorbed by the body, making it a temporary but helpful solution.The best part is, once Lacrifill is placed, it is maintenance free for 6 months with no side effects. After six months, you can see your doctor for a refill.

How Does It Work?

Lacrifill works by reducing how quickly your tears drain away like plugging up a drain.With moisture lasting longer on the eye’s surface, the symptoms of dry eye often decrease significantly. Lacrifill should reduce or eliminate the number of eyedrops you need to take during the day for your eyes to feel comfortable and it lasts six months maintenance free.

The insertion process takes only a few minutes and uses a pre-existing channel in your eye, so it does not require a shot, it fills space like an ear plug.. Many patients say it feels like a light pressure or nothing at all. After placement, you may not even feel it’s there—but you might start noticing that your eyes feel more comfortable throughout the day.

Is Lacrifill Right for You?

Lacrifill is best for people who have tried drops, gels, or other treatments with limited success. It can be a good middle step between using over-the-counter solutions and more involved procedures or prescription drops. Because it’s temporary, it allows your doctor to assess how you respond before considering longer-lasting options. Under natural conditions, Lacrifill lasts about 6 months. If you no longer wish to have to gel, Lacrifill can be rinsed out by our doctor to remove it.

Not everyone with dry eye needs this treatment, but for the right patient, it can provide meaningful relief with little effort or risk.

Get Eye Care Near You

At Fall River Vision, your destination for eye care Fall River, MA, our goal is to help your eyes feel clear, rested, and protected. If dry eye has been wearing you down, Lacrifill may be worth considering. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and find out if it fits your needs. Sometimes the smallest changes bring the greatest relief. Call us at (508) 673-2370 for eye care near you. If you are looking for relief from dry eye Fall River, MA, from an eye doctor near you / optometrist near you, we are here to help.