Use Of Lacrifil As Dry Eye Disease Treatment And Early Results From Lacrifil Study

Lacrifill is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel designed to temporarily block tear drainage by physiologically occluding the canalicular system. 

The purpose of this paper is to share our experience with Lacrifil in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) at a specialized cataract and refractive clinic, as well as to present early results from our ongoing study on Lacrifil.

This study is a single-blind, two-armed prospective comparative study focusing on cataract patients with DED. One group will receive tear duct irrigation combined with a Lacrifil injection, while the control group will only receive tear duct irrigation. Both Tear film measurements and Biometric precision will be evaluated. 

Single center clinic located in Haugesund, Norway. 

Potential patients will be categorised as DED positive or DED negative based on DEWS II criteria. A total of 5 visits: 

1. Preoperative visit with all investigations.

2. Lacrimal irrigation with possible Lacrifill injection 4 weeks postop

3. Bilateral sequential cataract surgery

4. Day 1 postop

5. 4-6 weeks postop

6. 3 months postop

· Basic eye examination

Externa

Visual acuity (VA)

Refraction (R)

IOP

Documentation of posterior segment (Optomap/OCT)

- Extensive OSD protocol

Subjective OSDI and SPEED II Questionnaires

Okulus Keratograph

OSS

NIKBUT

Schirmer II

Meibography

· Number of glands

· Meibum quality

Meibum Expressability

Early results indicate an improvement in several DED measurements in the lacrifil group, including NIKBUT, OSS, and Schirmer II scores. Additionally, lower OSDI and SPEED II scores suggest subjective improvement.

Conversely, no significant effects on ocular biometry have been observed to date.

Clinical review of Lacrifil indicates that it is an effective tool for managing Dry Eye Disease (DED) and offers a safe alternative to lacrimal plugs. Its quick and easy in-office administration, along with reversibility if needed, is a particular strength.

Early clinical results also show significant improvements in both objective and subjective tear measurements.