The Retina Clinic London is pleased to offer Lacrifill®, a preservative-free treatment option for selected adults living with Dry Eye Disease.
Dry eye can cause burning, grittiness, redness, watering and fluctuating vision. In some patients, helping natural tears remain on the surface of the eye for longer can form an important part of treatment. Lacrifill® is designed to temporarily reduce tear drainage, supporting a more stable and comfortable ocular surface.
At The Retina Clinic London, Lacrifill® is offered following detailed specialist Dry Eye assessment. Clinical examination, advanced diagnostic imaging and artificial intelligence-assisted analysis help us understand the different factors contributing to dryness, quantify the extent of the problem and establish an objective baseline before creating a personalised treatment plan.
How does Lacrifill® work?
Lacrifill® is a sterile, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel placed within the tear-drainage channels in the eyelids by a trained eye-care professional.
The gel temporarily reduces tear drainage, helping natural tears remain on the surface of the eye for longer.
Unlike a traditional punctal plug, Lacrifill® fills the canaliculus, the small channel that carries tears away from the eye. Its effects are temporary and can last for up to six months.
The procedure is performed in the clinic using topical anaesthetic drops for comfort. If clinically necessary, Lacrifill® can also be removed by irrigating the tear-drainage system.
Who may benefit from Lacrifill®?
Lacrifill® may be considered for selected adults with Dry Eye Disease, particularly where reduced tear volume is contributing to symptoms and lubrication alone has not provided sufficient relief.
Dry Eye Disease can, however, have several causes. Reduced tear production may occur alongside excessive evaporation, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, inflammation or other changes affecting the surface of the eye.
This is why specialist assessment is important before deciding whether reducing tear drainage with Lacrifill® is appropriate.
Detailed Dry Eye assessment at The Retina Clinic London
Before recommending treatment, the TRCL team assesses the ocular surface, eyelids, tear film and tear-drainage system.
Advanced diagnostic imaging can help us assess tear-film stability, tear volume, blink quality and the meibomian glands within the eyelids. Artificial intelligence-assisted analysis helps quantify these findings and provides a more objective picture of the type and extent of Dry Eye Disease.
These measurements also allow us to establish a baseline. Repeat assessment can then be compared with the original findings, helping the specialist monitor changes over time and refine treatment where needed.
The results are considered alongside the patient’s symptoms, medical history and clinical examination when deciding whether Lacrifill® or another treatment, or combination of treatments, is most appropriate.
Lacrifill® as part of personalised Dry Eye treatment
At The Retina Clinic London, Lacrifill® forms part of a detailed and personalised approach to Dry Eye Disease rather than being offered as an isolated procedure.
Depending on the findings, treatment may include Lacrifill® alone or alongside measures such as:
- Preservative-free lubricating eye drops
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Eyelid hygiene and heated eye masks
- Treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
- IPL Laser treatment
- Advice on contact lenses, screen use and environmental factors
Not every Dry Eye treatment is suitable for every patient. The purpose of our assessment is to identify the factors contributing to the symptoms and direct treatment towards those particular problems.
Information for referrers
Optometrists, ophthalmologists and other eye-care professionals may wish to consider referral for patients with persistent Dry Eye symptoms and clinical evidence of reduced tear production, including those who have achieved insufficient relief from topical lubrication alone.
At The Retina Clinic London, assessment can help distinguish between aqueous-deficient, evaporative and mixed Dry Eye Disease, while identifying related conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis and ocular-surface inflammation.
Relevant examination findings, previous Dry Eye treatments and the patient’s current eye medications are helpful when making a referral.
Is Lacrifill® suitable for everyone?
Lacrifill® is not suitable for every patient. Before treatment, the tear-drainage system and ocular surface need to be assessed carefully.
It should not be used where there is an obstructed tear-drainage system, an active eye or surrounding infection, certain forms of ocular-surface inflammation, or an allergy to hyaluronic acid.
If ongoing treatment is required after the initial treatment period, Lacrifill® can be removed and the patient reassessed before any repeat administration.
As with any clinical procedure, the potential benefits, limitations and risks will be discussed before treatment.
Book a Specialist Dry Eye Assessment
For patients, the first step is a detailed specialist Dry Eye assessment to understand what is contributing to the symptoms and whether Lacrifill® or another treatment may be appropriate.
For referrers, The Retina Clinic London welcomes referrals accompanied by relevant clinical findings, previous treatments and current eye medications.
To arrange an assessment or discuss a referral, contact The Retina Clinic London on +44 (0)20 4548 5310.
Individual results and duration of benefit may vary. Lacrifill® is offered following clinical assessment and should be administered only by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.