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Lacrifill® Treatment for Dry Eye
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Why do my eyes still feel dry even when I use drops regularly?
Many people with dry eye rely on artificial tears throughout the day. While drops can provide temporary relief, the effect is often short-lived — lasting minutes rather than hours — leading to frequent reapplication and ongoing discomfort.
In some cases, the problem is not the quality of the drops, but the fact that tears drain away too quickly from the surface of the eye. When this happens, even good-quality tears may not stay on the eye long enough to provide lasting comfort.
Lacrifill® is designed to help address this specific issue.
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What is Lacrifill®?
Lacrifill® is a tear-retention treatment used in the management of dry eye disease, particularly where reduced tear volume or excessive tear drainage contributes to symptoms.
It involves placing a soft, biocompatible gel into the tear drainage system (the tear ducts). This gel slows the outflow of tears, allowing your natural tears to remain on the eye surface for longer, helping to improve lubrication and comfort.
The gel gradually dissolves over time, meaning the effect reduces naturally and can be reviewed and adjusted as part of an ongoing dry eye management plan.
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Who may benefit from Lacrifill®?
Lacrifill® may be considered if:
- your eyes feel dry despite frequent use of drops
- relief from drops is short-lived
- tear deficiency contributes to your symptoms
- tear drainage appears to play a role in ongoing dryness
It is usually recommended as part of a broader, personalised dry eye treatment plan, rather than as a stand-alone solution.
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How does Lacrifill® work?
Normally, tears drain away through small channels in the eyelids. In some people with dry eye, this drainage occurs too efficiently, leaving the eye surface under-lubricated.
Lacrifill® works by:
- gently slowing tear drainage
- increasing the time tears remain on the eye
- supporting a more stable tear film
As the gel gradually dissolves, its effect reduces naturally. This allows treatment to be reassessed and repeated if appropriate, based on symptoms and clinical findings.
How Lacrifill® compares with punctal plugs
There are different ways to help retain tears on the eye surface, and the most suitable option varies from person to person.
Punctal plugs involve placing a small device into the tear duct to reduce tear drainage. These can be temporary or longer-term and are widely used in dry eye management. For many patients, they are an appropriate and effective option.
Lacrifill® uses a resorbable gel within the tear drainage system rather than a physical device. Because the gel dissolves over time, the effect reduces gradually and can be reassessed.
Neither option is inherently better than the other. The choice depends on individual factors such as tear production, drainage patterns, eyelid and ocular surface health, previous response to treatment, and personal comfort or preference. This is why careful assessment is essential before recommending any tear-retention treatment.
How long does Lacrifill® last?
The effects of Lacrifill® vary between individuals. Many patients experience improved comfort for several months, depending on tear production, drainage anatomy, and the underlying cause of dry eye.
Because Lacrifill® is resorbable, the effect reduces gradually rather than stopping suddenly. Treatment can be reviewed over time and repeated if beneficial, based on symptoms and clinical assessment rather than a fixed schedule.
What to expect from the procedure
Lacrifill® is performed in clinic and usually takes only a few minutes.
- No surgery or stitches
- Minimal discomfort
- No general anaesthetic
- No allergic reactions
- Normal activities can usually be resumed shortly afterwards
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. You may notice mild irritation, watering, or a temporary awareness around the inner corner of the eye shortly after treatment. These effects usually settle on their own within a short period.
Some patients notice improvement within days, while others experience more gradual benefit as tear retention improves.
How Lacrifill® fits into dry eye treatment
Dry eye disease rarely has a single cause, and management often involves a combination of approaches.
Lacrifill® may be used alongside:
- IPL treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
- eyelid and lid margin care
- appropriate eye drops or gels
- lifestyle and environmental adjustments
The aim is to address the underlying contributors to dry eye while supporting long-term ocular surface comfort.
Why have Lacrifill® treatment at Eye Clinic London?
Dry eye disease is not the same for everyone, and treatments such as Lacrifill® are most helpful when they are used for the right reason and the right patient.
At Eye Clinic London, Lacrifill® is considered as part of a personalised dry eye management plan, rather than as a routine or standard treatment. Assessment includes tear volume, tear film stability, eyelid and ocular surface health, as well as how symptoms affect your daily activities and comfort.
Care is overseen by Mr Samer Hamada, a leading UK corneal and refractive surgeon with specialist expertise in ocular surface disease and dry eye management. This ensures that tear-retention treatments are used thoughtfully, with clear explanation of benefits, limitations, and alternatives.
Treatment choices are discussed openly, allowing you to be involved in deciding whether Lacrifill® is appropriate for you, or whether a different approach would be more suitable. Plans can be reviewed and adjusted over time as symptoms change.
Book a consultation
If your eyes feel dry despite regular use of drops and relief never seems to last, Lacrifill® may be an option worth discussing.
You can book a consultation:
- as part of a comprehensive dry eye assessment, or
- to explore whether tear-retention treatments are suitable for you
Lacrifill® pricing
One Eye: £275 Both Eyes: £395
Book your consultation at Eye Clinic London
Because managing dry eye is not just about adding more drops — it’s about keeping the tears you already have.
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Discover affordable eye care through our flexible finance and insurance offerings with expert financial guidance at Eye Clinic London. For comprehensive understanding, please contact us.
Our Location
Strategically located in Devonshire Street, Harley Medical District, Marylebone, in the heart of London, our clinic is easily accessible, ensuring that your journey to exceptional eye care is as convenient as possible. Our central position ensures that you can easily reach us from various parts of the city.
Devonshire street in Marylebone is not just an address; it’s a hub of convenience and accessibility. With excellent transport links and a wealth of amenities nearby, your visit to Eye Clinic London will be convenient and hassle-free experience.
Whether you are a local resident or visiting from other parts of the UK or abroad, our location will provide you with seamless connection to the private eye doctor in London.
When choosing to travel by public transport please alight at Bond Street Station and walk for 7 mins, alternatively exit at Oxford Circus station or Baker Street Station and walk for 10 mins.
Street parking is available.
Eye Clinic London7 Devonshire StreetLondon, W1W 5DY
The McIndoe CentreHoltye Road EastGrinstead RH19 3EB
