A Modern Punctal Plug - Lacrifill

Long-Lasting Relief, Without a Traditional Plug

Lacrifill Canalicular Gel is one of the newest additions to our dry eye toolkit at The Dry Eye Studio. It's a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel that has received FDA clearance for treating dry eye disease. Rather than sitting on top of the tear duct like a conventional plug, Lacrifill is injected directly into the canalicular system, the narrow channel tears normally drain through, where it forms a soft, flexible seal that keeps natural tears on the eye's surface longer.

Because hyaluronic acid is a substance the body already produces and tolerates well, most patients find the gel comfortable from the moment it's placed, with nothing rigid or foreign-feeling in the eye.

Why It's Different From Traditional Punctal Plugs

Conventional silicone or collagen plugs sit inside the punctal opening, where fluid can sometimes leak around the edges, and they carry a chance of shifting or falling out entirely. Lacrifill works differently: a single injection into the lower punctum allows the gel to spread upward and occlude the upper punctum as well, meaning one vial can treat both drainage points instead of requiring a separate plug for each.

In clinical studies, patients treated with Lacrifill showed measurable increases in tear volume (measured by Schirmer testing) and improved tear breakup time, both signs of a healthier, better-lubricated ocular surface. The seal typically lasts around six months, considerably longer than many dissolvable plugs, and unlike a permanent option, it can be flushed out by your doctor at any point if it's no longer needed.

Why It's Different From Traditional Punctal Plugs

The Procedure

Placement takes just a few minutes per eye. After the area is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, your doctor uses a fine applicator to deposit a small, precise amount of gel into the punctum. There's no cutting, stitching, or sedation involved, and most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain.

What to Expect Afterward

Lacrifill requires no downtime. You're free to drive yourself home and return to work or your normal routine the same day. It's common to notice slight watering or a feeling of fullness near the treated punctum for a day or so afterward; this typically settles on its own. Full symptom relief tends to build gradually over the following days as the gel takes effect.

Who Should Consider Lacrifill

Lacrifill may be a good fit if you experience:

Chronic burning, stinging, or gritty eyes

Redness or ongoing irritation

Vision that fluctuates or blurs throughout the day

Excessive watering paired with an underlying dry sensation

Dryness that hasn't improved with artificial tears or drops alone

Discomfort wearing contacts or during long screen sessions

It's also frequently used as a preparatory step before cataract surgery or laser vision correction, since a stable, well-lubricated tear film helps produce more accurate pre-surgical measurements and a smoother recovery. Your eye doctor can help determine whether Lacrifill fits into your treatment plan.

Ready to Find Relief?

Dry eye disease doesn't have to run your day. Lacrifill gives our doctors another precise, longer-lasting way to manage your symptoms, often alongside other therapies for an even more complete treatment plan. Reach out to schedule a consultation and find out if Lacrifill is right for you.