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Minimally invasive dry eye treatment

Lacrifill® Canalicular Gel – Dry Eye Treatment in London

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At a glance

  • Clinically proven canalicular gel for dry eye relief
  • Suitable for one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral)
  • Minimally invasive – no surgery or incisions required
  • Effective for up to 6 months
  • Reversible – can be removed by your clinician at any time
  • Suitable for patients with sensitive eyes or allergies
  • Preservative free
  • Administered by our specialist consultants at 140 Harley Street
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Lacrifill canalicular gel dry eye treatment at Clinica London

Dry Eye Disease is a persistent condition that affects millions of people, causing discomfort, blurred vision and a lasting impact on quality of life. At Clinica London, we are pleased to offer Lacrifill® – a clinically proven canalicular gel that provides up to six months of relief from dry eye symptoms by helping your eyes retain their natural tears. Lacrifill® is a minimally invasive, reversible treatment suitable for adult patients experiencing dry eye symptoms such as redness, burning, itching, reflex tearing, or the sensation of something in the eye.

At a glance

At a glance: Lacrifill® canalicular gel

What is Lacrifill®?

Lacrifill® is a soft, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel developed by Nordic Pharma. It is introduced into the lacrimal canaliculus – the small tear drainage channel in your eyelid – to slow tear drainage and keep your natural tears on the eye surface for longer.

It is a CE-marked class IIb medical device, preservative free and administered by a qualified consultant at our Harley Street clinic.

How does it work?

The gel fills the lacrimal canaliculus, acting as a plug to slow the drainage of tears away from the eye surface. Its hydrophilic (water-attracting) nature means it absorbs moisture and expands gently to stay comfortably in place, conforming to your unique anatomy with no sizing required.

Who is Lacrifill® suitable for?

Lacrifill® is suitable for adult patients with dry eye symptoms including redness, burning, itching, reflex tearing or a foreign body sensation. It is particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive eyes, allergies, or those planning or recovering from eye surgery such as cataract or refractive procedures.

Is it reversible?

Yes. One of the key advantages of Lacrifill® is that it is fully reversible. If for any reason you do not wish to continue, the gel can be easily removed by syringing with sterile saline at any time. No fixation is required and no incision is made.

How long does it last?

Lacrifill® is effective for up to six months. At that point, the gel can be removed and a repeat treatment administered if ongoing relief is required. Many patients choose to maintain treatment on a rolling six-month basis.

What are the risks?

Lacrifill® is well tolerated. In the clinical trial, no patient discontinued due to a side effect. A small number of patients may experience mild eyelid discomfort or watery eye. A thorough consultation will assess your suitability.

Treatment overview

What is Lacrifill®?

Lacrifill canalicular gel being dispensed from a syringe

Lacrifill® canalicular gel. Source: Nordic Pharma.

Lacrifill® is a soft, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel developed by Nordic Pharma for the treatment of dry eye disease. It works by filling the lacrimal canaliculus – the small channel in your eyelid responsible for draining tears away from the surface of the eye. By temporarily occupying this space, Lacrifill® slows tear drainage, allowing your natural tears to remain on the eye surface for longer.

Because of its hydrophilic (water-attracting) nature, the gel absorbs moisture from your tears and expands gently to stay comfortably in place. The gel is designed to completely fill and adapt to the tear drainage channels, meaning no individual sizing or fitting is required – it conforms to your unique anatomy. It does not require any fixation and can be easily removed by syringing with sterile saline if needed.

Lacrifill® is a CE-marked class IIb medical device, administered by a qualified healthcare professional. It is preservative free and suitable for adult patients.

Retains natural tears

Slows tear drainage through the canaliculus, keeping your own natural tears on the eye surface for longer and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Minimally invasive

Administered using a fine cannula under local anaesthetic eye drops. No surgery, no incisions, no stitches. The procedure takes only a few minutes.

Fully reversible

The gel can be removed by syringing with sterile saline at any time if needed – giving patients complete peace of mind.

Preservative free

Ideal for patients with sensitive eyes or known allergies to preservatives found in many conventional eye drops and treatments.

Up to 6 months’ relief

A single treatment provides dry eye relief for up to six months, with the option to repeat treatment for ongoing benefit.

No sizing required

Unlike punctal plugs, Lacrifill® conforms to the shape of each patient’s canaliculus, so no individual fitting or sizing is needed.

How it works

How does Lacrifill® work?

Your tears drain away from the eye through tiny channels called canaliculi, located in the inner corner of each eyelid. In patients with dry eye, this drainage can happen too quickly, leaving the eye surface insufficiently lubricated.

Lacrifill® is introduced into one or both of these channels using a fine cannula, in a quick and straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic eye drops. Once in place, the gel acts as a plug – slowing tear drainage and helping to maintain a healthy, lubricating tear film on the surface of the eye.

Patient receiving Lacrifill dry eye treatment at Clinica London

A Lacrifill® treatment session at Clinica London.

Diagram showing how Lacrifill canalicular gel works in the tear drainage system

Diagram showing the lacrimal canaliculus and where Lacrifill® sits in the tear drainage system. Source: Nordic Pharma.

6
months of dry eye relief from a single treatment
52/53
patients said they would repeat Lacrifill® treatment in a US satisfaction survey
Day 7
measurable improvements in tear scores seen as early as day 7 in clinical trials
Comparison

How is Lacrifill® different from punctal plugs?

Punctal plugs have been used for dry eye management for over 30 years. They are small silicone devices inserted into the punctum (the opening of the drainage channel) to reduce tear drainage. While effective, they carry certain limitations that Lacrifill® is designed to address.

Limitations of punctal plugs

  • They can fall out – spontaneous loss occurs in a significant proportion of patients within two years
  • They can migrate inwards into the canaliculus, potentially causing blockage or inflammation (canaliculitis)
  • In rare cases, they can travel further into the lacrimal sac, requiring surgical removal
  • They are rigid devices that do not conform to individual anatomy

Advantages of Lacrifill®

As a gel rather than a rigid device, Lacrifill® conforms to the shape of the canaliculus, stays in place through its hydrophilic properties, and is straightforwardly reversible by simple syringing – no procedure required for removal.

It represents a modern approach to punctal occlusion that our consultants now offer alongside established treatments, particularly for patients who have had problems with conventional plugs or who prefer a gel-based option.

Suitability

Who is Lacrifill® suitable for?

Lacrifill® is suitable for adult patients experiencing dry eye symptoms. You may benefit from Lacrifill® if you:

  • Experience redness, burning, stinging or persistent eye irritation
  • Notice itching or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye
  • Have reflex watering or tearing as a result of a dry eye surface
  • Experience discomfort related to screen use, contact lens wear, or environmental factors
  • Have sensitive eyes or are prone to allergies, making preservative-containing drops unsuitable
  • Are planning cataract or refractive surgery and have been found to have dry eye
  • Are recovering from eye surgery and experiencing post-operative dry eye symptoms
  • Have not found sufficient relief from lubricating eye drops or other dry eye management alone
Dry eye and eye surgery: Studies report that up to 75% of patients scheduled for cataract surgery have dry eye disease, and approximately 95% of patients experience some form of dry eye following refractive surgery such as LASIK. Unmanaged dry eye can affect the accuracy of pre-operative measurements and recovery. Lacrifill® can be an important part of pre- and post-operative care. Your consultant will advise on timing and suitability.

Lacrifill® can also be used alongside other dry eye treatments such as lubricating eye drops, warm compresses, OptiLight IPL or OptiLIFT, as part of a broader dry eye management plan. A thorough consultation with one of our specialists will determine the right combination for you.

Could Lacrifill® help your dry eye symptoms?

A specialist consultation will assess your symptoms and confirm whether Lacrifill® is the right option for you.

Book a consultation NOW
The procedure

Your Lacrifill® procedure at Clinica London

We have a thorough and structured approach to all treatments, beginning with an expert assessment that will inform and guide your individual care plan.

1

Consultation

Your journey begins with a specialist consultation. Our consultants will assess your dry eye symptoms, review your history, and confirm whether Lacrifill® is appropriate for you.

They will explain whether unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes) treatment is recommended, and answer all your questions. There is no obligation to proceed.

2

The procedure

The treatment is quick and minimally invasive. Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied to ensure your comfort. Your consultant will then gently introduce the Lacrifill® gel into the lacrimal canaliculus of one or both eyes using a fine cannula.

The procedure takes only a few minutes. Please allow around 30 minutes for your appointment in total, including time for the anaesthetic drops to take effect.

3

Aftercare & follow-up

You can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure. You may experience some temporary blurring due to the anaesthetic drops – we recommend arranging alternative transport home and avoiding driving until your vision has fully cleared.

Lacrifill® is effective for up to six months. We will schedule your follow-up appointment to assess your response and discuss repeat treatment if needed. Avoid contact lenses immediately after the procedure; your consultant will advise when you can resume lens wear.

Clinical evidence

Clinical evidence

Lacrifill® has been evaluated in a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial and shown to produce clinically and statistically significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of dry eye, sustained over six months.

Trial outcomes

The clinical study (Packer et al., J Cataract Refract Surg, 2024) showed measurable results by day 7, with improvements in:

  • Schirmer test scores (tear production)
  • Tear break-up time (increasing from 3.0 seconds at baseline to 4.0 seconds at six months)
  • OSDI symptom scores, sustained throughout the study period

The treatment was well tolerated and easy to insert and remove. No patient discontinued the study due to a side effect.

Patient satisfaction

In a separate patient satisfaction survey conducted in the USA (Chapman & Grohol, Modern Optometry, 2025), 52 out of 53 patients stated they would repeat Lacrifill® treatment – a testament to both the efficacy and tolerability of this approach.

At Clinica London, Lacrifill® is offered by our specialist consultants as part of a comprehensive dry eye management service, alongside OptiLight IPL and OptiLIFT where appropriate.

Safety information

Possible side effects

Lacrifill® is generally well tolerated. In the clinical trial, patients experienced no to minimal discomfort during the procedure itself, and no patient discontinued the study due to a side effect. As with any in-clinic eye procedure, a small number of patients may experience mild side effects.

  • Eyelid pain or mild discomfort during or after the procedure
  • Watery eye (epiphora)
If you experience any side effects or have concerns following treatment, please contact your eye care professional. Side effects can also be reported directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
Our consultants

Our Lacrifill® specialists

Our specialist consultants are available Monday to Friday at 140 Harley Street. Every Lacrifill® treatment is individually assessed and administered by our Consultant ophthalmic team.

Miss Jane Olver
Medical Director & Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Miss Jane Olver

Founder and Medical Director of Clinica London, with 30 years’ specialist experience in oculoplastic and lacrimal surgery. President of the International Society of Dacryology and dry eye (2024–2026).

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Professor Sajjad Ahmad
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Cornea & External Eye

Professor Sajjad Ahmad

Internationally recognised specialist in cornea, external eye diseases, cataract, keratoconus and refractive surgery. Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

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Mr Johnson Neo
Consultant Corneal, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

Mr Johnson Neo

Multiple award-winning Consultant trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Member of both the International Tear Health Academy and the European Dry Eye Society.

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Miss Lisa Jagan
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Miss Lisa Jagan

Highly accomplished comprehensive ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training from Queen’s University, Canada.

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Miss Michelle Ting
Consultant Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Miss Michelle Ting

Specialist in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery with particular expertise in eyelid conditions and their relationship to ocular surface disease and dry eye management.

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Book your Lacrifill® consultation

A full consultation with one of our specialists will assess your dry eye symptoms and confirm whether Lacrifill® is the right treatment for you.

Book a consultation NOW
Pricing

Lacrifill® Prices

Lacrifill® treatment cost has three components: facility fee, procedure fee, and product cost.

Unilateral (one eye) Bilateral (both eyes)
All-inclusive self pay price £650 £950
Prices are all-inclusive. A new patient consultation is required before commencing Lacrifill® treatment, priced from £300. If you have private medical insurance, please check your policy before booking as cover varies by provider. Our team is happy to help, call us on 020 7935 7990 or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Lacrifill® procedure take?
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. You will need a little time beforehand for the anaesthetic eye drops to take effect, so please allow around 30 minutes for your appointment in total.
Is the procedure painful?
Lacrifill® is administered under local anaesthetic eye drops, so you should feel little or no discomfort. Some patients notice a mild pressure sensation as the gel is introduced, but the procedure is generally very well tolerated.
How soon will I notice an improvement in my symptoms?
In the clinical trial, measurable improvements were seen as early as day 7. Many patients notice an improvement in their dry eye symptoms relatively quickly after treatment, as the gel begins to retain tears on the eye surface. Your consultant will give you a clearer idea of what to expect based on the severity of your symptoms.
Can I drive home after my appointment?
You may experience some temporary blurring immediately after the procedure due to the anaesthetic drops. We recommend arranging alternative transport home and avoiding driving until your vision has fully cleared.
Can I wear contact lenses after Lacrifill® treatment?
You should avoid wearing contact lenses immediately after the procedure. Your consultant will advise when it is safe to resume contact lens wear based on your individual circumstances.
What happens after six months?
Lacrifill® is effective for up to six months, at which point the gel can be removed and a repeat treatment administered if ongoing relief is needed. We recommend booking your follow-up appointment in advance so that continuity of treatment is maintained.
Can Lacrifill® be used alongside artificial tears or other dry eye treatments?
Yes. Lacrifill® can be used as part of a broader dry eye management plan, which may include lubricating eye drops, warm compresses, OptiLight IPL or OptiLIFT. Your consultant will advise on the most appropriate combination for your condition.
Why might Lacrifill® be recommended before my eye surgery?
Treating dry eye before surgery can enhance your outcomes and overall satisfaction with the procedure. Dry eye is very common in patients planning cataract or refractive surgery – studies report that up to 75% of cataract patients have dry eye, and approximately 95% experience dry eye following LASIK. Unmanaged dry eye can affect the accuracy of pre-operative measurements and recovery. Your consultant may recommend Lacrifill® as part of your pre-operative care plan.
What if I do not get on with the treatment?
One of the key advantages of Lacrifill® is that it is fully reversible. If for any reason you do not wish to continue, the gel can be easily removed by syringing with sterile saline at any time. No further procedure is required for removal.
Is Lacrifill® covered by private medical insurance?
Cover varies by insurer and individual policy. We recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment as not all providers cover the full cost of treatment. Our team is happy to help, call us on 020 7935 7990 or email [email protected].
How do I know if Lacrifill® is right for me?
The best way to find out is to book a consultation with one of our specialist consultants. They will assess your symptoms, review your history, and advise whether Lacrifill® or another dry eye treatment is the most appropriate option for you.

Take the next step towards lasting dry eye relief

Speak to one of our specialists to find out whether Lacrifill® is suitable for your symptoms and treatment goals.

Book a consultation NOW

References

  1. Packer M et al. Lacrifill Canalicular Gel for the treatment of dry eye disease: a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2024 Oct;50(10):1051–1057.
  2. Chapman JM, Grohol M. A novel therapy can increase patient satisfaction in patients with dry eye. Modern Optometry, March/April 2025.
  3. Trattler WB et al. The Prospective Health Assessment of Cataract Patients’ Ocular Surface (PHACO) study. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017 Aug;11:1423–1430.
  4. Starr CE et al. An algorithm for the preoperative diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface disorders. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2019 May;45(5):669–684.
  5. Yu EYW et al. Ocular surface disease after LASIK. Ophthalmology. 2000 Dec;107(12):2131–5.

Clinical claims

  • Punctal plug retention: the softened copy (‘variable retention rates, with spontaneous loss occurring in a significant proportion of patients within two years’) is supported by published literature. Specific figures: spontaneous loss of 14.3% at 3 months, 26.9% at 1 year and 34.2% at 2 years (Ivars et al., PubMed 17631850); variable maintenance rates of 30–70% at 6 months across multiple studies (Yonsei Med J, 2023, PMC10375248).
  • ‘Effective for up to 6 months’ / ‘well tolerated, easy to insert and remove’: Packer et al., J Cataract Refract Surg. 2024 Oct;50(10):1051–1057.
  • ‘52 out of 53 patients would repeat treatment’: Chapman JM, Grohol M., Modern Optometry, March/April 2025.
  • ‘Up to 75% of cataract surgery patients have dry eye’: Trattler WB et al., Clin Ophthalmol. 2017 Aug;11:1423–1430.
  • ‘Fluctuating vision / dissatisfaction after cataract surgery’: Starr CE et al., J Cataract Refract Surg. 2019 May;45(5):669–684.
  • ‘~95% of patients experience dry eye after refractive surgery’: Yu EYW et al., Ophthalmology. 2000 Dec;107(12):2131–5.
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