👩🏫 Let’s Learn About Lacrifill™ – A New Option for Dry Eye Relief
What is Lacrifill™?
Lacrifill™ is a soft, gel-like treatment made from hyaluronic acid—a substance your body naturally produces. It’s FDA-cleared to help people with dry eye disease, which means your eyes either don’t make enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly.
How Does Lacrifill™ Work?
Your eyes have tiny drainage holes (called puncta) that allow tears to drain away through small tunnels (canaliculi). If your eyes are too dry, blocking those drainage paths can help keep your natural tears on your eyes longer.
That’s where Lacrifill™ comes in. It’s a special gel that a doctor places into those little drainage tunnels during an in-office procedure. It conforms to the shape of your anatomy and slowly dissolves over about 6 months, helping your tears stay on the surface where they belong.
🛁 Think of It Like a Bathtub
Imagine your eyes are like a bathtub, and your tears are the water.
- The drain at the bottom of the tub lets the water out—just like the puncta let your tears drain.
- If your eyes are dry, it’s like your bathtub is constantly draining water faster than it can fill.
- Lacrifill™ is like putting a soft stopper in that drain, so the water (your tears) stays in the tub (your eyes) longer. No need to keep filling it over and over!
How Is It Different From Traditional Punctal Plugs?
Older methods use tiny plastic plugs to block the tear drains. While they work, they can sometimes:
- Fall out (extrusion)
- Feel irritating or scratchy
- Cause surface inflammation
Lacrifill™ avoids these issues because:
- It’s a smooth, comfortable gel—not a hard plug
- It molds to fit your drainage anatomy
- It dissolves naturally over time—no need to remove it
Is It Safe and Effective?
Yes! A major study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery found that Lacrifill™:
- Improved tear production (measured by Schirmer’s tests)
- Helped maintain a healthier eye surface (less staining)
- Reduced dry eye symptoms and improved comfort
- Had a strong safety profile—no major side effects reported
Ask About Lacrifill™ for Dry Eye Relief from an Eye Doctor Near You
If you’re tired of relying on drops alone or haven’t had success with traditional dry eye treatments, Lacrifill™ could be a game-changer. Ask your eye doctor if Lacrifill™ is right for you and discover longer-lasting tear retention without discomfort or frequent reapplication.
