Lacrifill for Dry Eye
Understanding Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye surface irritated and under-lubricated. Understanding what drives this condition is an important first step toward finding the right treatment for you.
The most frequently reported symptoms of dry eye include a gritty or burning sensation, redness, light sensitivity, and occasional blurred vision. Many patients notice these symptoms worsen after prolonged screen use, in air-conditioned rooms, or in dry or windy environments.
Dry eye can develop for many reasons, including aging, hormonal changes such as those during menopause, and certain medications like antihistamines or blood pressure drugs. Environmental factors, including low humidity and smoke exposure, as well as health conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases, can also contribute.
There are two primary forms of dry eye. Aqueous-deficient dry eye happens when the eye does not produce enough of the watery layer of tears. Evaporative dry eye occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, often due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands (the small glands along the eyelid that produce the oily layer of tears). Some patients have a combination of both, which is why a personalized treatment approach matters.
Certain habits and health conditions raise your risk for developing dry eye. These include:
- Regular contact lens wear
- Extended screen time and digital device use
- Exposure to smoke, wind, or dry climates
- Vitamin A deficiency or poor overall nutrition
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
Knowing your risk factors helps guide our team toward the most appropriate treatment strategy for your specific situation.
What Is Lacrifill?
Lacrifill is a small, dissolvable insert made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is widely used in ophthalmology because of its excellent compatibility with human tissue. It is placed in the tear drainage opening of the eye to help retain more of your natural tears on the eye surface.
The insert is composed of biocompatible, cross-linked hyaluronic acid, meaning it is designed to be safe and gentle for the eye. Because it dissolves gradually on its own over time, it does not require a separate removal procedure, which sets it apart from many other tear duct treatments.
Artificial tears provide temporary relief but require repeated daily application, which can be inconvenient. Traditional silicone punctal plugs, which are placed in the tear duct to block drainage, are non-dissolving and must be physically removed if problems arise. Lacrifill offers a middle ground: longer-lasting relief than eye drops, with the added reassurance that it dissolves naturally if needed.
Lacrifill works well alongside other dry eye therapies, including prescription anti-inflammatory drops, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene routines, and omega-3 supplementation. Combining treatments allows us to address multiple aspects of dry eye at once, often leading to more complete symptom control than any single treatment can achieve on its own.
How Lacrifill Works
Lacrifill is inserted into the punctum, which is the small opening in the corner of your eyelid where tears naturally drain away from the eye. By gently blocking this opening, the insert slows tear drainage and helps keep your eye surface properly lubricated throughout the day.
The procedure takes place during a brief office visit and requires no incisions. Your eye care provider will apply numbing drops to ensure your comfort, then gently place the insert into the lower punctum. Most patients describe the experience as quick and comfortable, with only a mild sensation of pressure, and can return to their normal activities the same day.
Once in place, Lacrifill slows the rate at which tears drain from the eye surface. This allows your natural tears to remain in contact with the eye for longer, which helps reduce dryness and irritation. Many patients begin to notice improved comfort within a few days of treatment.
Lacrifill gradually dissolves over approximately three to six months, providing sustained relief without requiring daily maintenance. The exact duration can vary depending on individual factors such as your tear film composition and environment. Your provider will advise you on the right timing for any repeat treatment.
By retaining more natural tears on the eye surface, Lacrifill helps restore the balance of the tear film, which is the thin protective layer that covers the eye. A stable tear film supports proper lubrication, delivers nutrients to the corneal surface, and helps protect the eye from environmental irritants, all of which contribute to reduced symptoms and better ocular surface health.
Benefits and Who Lacrifill Is Right For
Lacrifill offers a practical solution for patients who want longer-lasting dry eye relief without the commitment of a permanent procedure. Because every patient's situation is different, a thorough evaluation helps us determine whether this treatment is the best fit for your needs.
Lacrifill reduces the need for frequent eye drop application and uses a naturally compatible material that minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. Patients often report improvements in overall eye comfort, more stable vision, and a better quality of daily life. Its dissolving design also means there is no need for a removal procedure once the treatment cycle is complete.
Lacrifill is generally well-suited for adults with moderate to severe chronic dry eye, particularly those who have not found enough relief from artificial tears or other standard treatments. It may also be a helpful option for patients experiencing dryness after LASIK or cataract surgery, those with contact lens intolerance, or patients with systemic conditions like Sjogren's syndrome that contribute to tear deficiency.
This treatment is not appropriate for everyone. A provider evaluation will rule out any conditions that could make Lacrifill unsuitable. Common reasons it may not be recommended include:
- Active eye infections or significant ocular inflammation
- Known sensitivity or allergy to hyaluronic acid
- Obstruction within the tear drainage system
- Significant eyelid or punctal abnormalities
If Lacrifill is not right for your situation, we will work with you to identify alternative treatments that match your needs.
Lacrifill has been used safely in elderly patients, who are among those most commonly affected by dry eye. It is generally not recommended for children due to differences in tear duct anatomy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please speak with your provider before pursuing this or any dry eye treatment to ensure the safest possible plan for you.
Side Effects and Aftercare
Lacrifill is well tolerated by most patients, and side effects are typically mild and short-lived. Following your provider's aftercare guidance helps ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery.
Some patients experience temporary tearing, mild discomfort, or a brief foreign body sensation in the days immediately following insertion. These reactions are a normal part of adjustment and usually resolve on their own within one to two days.
If you experience any initial irritation, avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can displace the insert or cause further irritation. Preservative-free artificial tears can be used as needed to provide extra comfort during the adjustment period. If any symptom persists or worsens, contact your provider.
For the first 24 hours after insertion, protect your eyes from dust, wind, and debris. Your provider will advise you on when it is safe to resume wearing contact lenses or applying eye makeup, as doing so too soon could affect the insert or your healing. Keeping all scheduled follow-up appointments allows us to monitor your progress and address any concerns early.
While complications are uncommon, it is important to be aware of symptoms that warrant prompt attention. Contact your provider right away if you develop significant redness, swelling, eye pain, or discharge after the procedure. These could indicate an infection or a problem with the insert that needs to be evaluated quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions patients commonly ask about Lacrifill, including practical guidance to help you prepare and make an informed decision.
Our Belleville, NJ office is located at 50 Newark Ave #107, right next to the Clara Maass Medical Center. Positioned in a highly dense pocket of Northern New Jersey, our clinic is incredibly easy to reach for patients seeking advanced dry eye relief from surrounding major cities. Under normal traffic conditions, we are within a convenient 15-minute drive from five of the area's largest population centers:
- Newark, NJ: We sit directly on the border of North Newark. You can reach us from downtown Newark via Washington Ave or Route 21 in just 7–10 minutes (~4.5 miles).
- Jersey City, NJ: Via nearby Route 7 (Belleville Turnpike) or the NJ Turnpike, the western edges of Jersey City are a quick 11–15 minute zip away (~7.5 miles).
- Paterson, NJ: Taking Route 21 North brings you straight up the river to Paterson in roughly 13–15 minutes (~10.1 miles).
- East Orange, NJ: Easily accessible in just 7–10 minutes via local arteries like Franklin Ave or the Garden State Parkway (~3.8 miles).
- Irvington, NJ: A straightforward 12–15 minute drive using local routes or the Garden State Parkway (~7.2 miles).
Coverage for Lacrifill varies depending on your individual insurance plan. Some plans may cover it as a medical procedure for the treatment of dry eye disease, while others may classify it as an out-of-pocket expense. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider in advance to verify your benefits, and our team can assist you in understanding your options before your appointment.
Many contact lens wearers are good candidates for Lacrifill and may actually find that better eye hydration improves their lens comfort significantly. However, your provider will let you know exactly when it is safe to reinsert your lenses after the procedure. Following that guidance is important to avoid any interference with proper placement of the insert.
If Lacrifill does not provide the level of improvement you hoped for, that information is still valuable. It helps your provider assess whether punctal occlusion is the right approach for you or whether a different strategy, such as prescription anti-inflammatory therapy or another in-office treatment, would be more effective. We will always work with you to find the right path forward.
Yes. Once Lacrifill has naturally dissolved, your provider can place a new insert if you continue to benefit from the treatment. Many patients choose to repeat the procedure on an ongoing basis as part of their long-term dry eye management plan. Your provider will help you determine the right schedule based on how your symptoms respond.
Lacrifill is often recommended for patients who develop dry eye following procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery, as post-surgical dryness is a recognized and common concern. Your provider will review your healing progress and overall eye health before confirming that Lacrifill is appropriate for you at that stage of recovery. It is important not to pursue any new treatment without that evaluation first.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation
At Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our experienced eye care providers are dedicated to helping patients across New Jersey find lasting, comfortable relief from dry eye. If you have been struggling with persistent dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision, we encourage you to come in for a comprehensive evaluation so we can determine whether Lacrifill or another treatment is right for you. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process with personalized, expert care.
The staff was kind and friendly. The Dr was very knowledgeable and helpful. The procedure was clearly explained.
Maricely Lopez
Dr. Liva is so thorough. He explains everything and is so kind. He saved my husband’s eyesight!
Marion Knowles
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the remarkable care and expertise Dr. Garrana provided during my PRK surgery with cross-linking. Her skills and dedication have truly changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Thanks to the exceptional treatment, my vision has been transformed.
Ramzi C.
Dr. Hosler saw my mom for her cataracts. He was attentive, caring and incredibly nice.
Melly E
The staff and physicians are very helpful and professional.
John M. Kalinowski