Lacrifill Informed Consent

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Condition and Proposed Treatment

My optometrist has diagnosed me with dry eye syndrome. Typical symptoms of this condition include burning and (paradoxically) watering and a sensation like something is in the eye. In many cases dry eyes are caused by the body’s failure to produce enough tears. Blocking the tear drainage system with Lacrifill Canalicular Gel may improve symptoms by keeping more tears in the eye. Severe cases of dry eye may lead to infection, pain and in rare cases, blindness or loss of the eye.

Risks

1. Infection – Lacrifill is composed entirely of water and hyaluronic acid, both of which are found naturally in the body. If an infection occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics and removal of the gel.
2. Excessive Tearing – In some cases, the gel may cause an overflow of tears. Your doctor may decide to remove the gel in this situation.
3. Irritation – It is possible, though rare, that the gel can cause irritation and need to be flushed and replaced with fresh gel.
4. Gel loss – The gel may get dislodged in rare circumstances or get absorbed quickly by your body. In that case it can easily be replaced.

Alternatives Tried or Discussed

1. OTC options – Warm compress masks, Fish Oils, or Eyelid Wipes
2. Pharmaceutical Drops – Used twice daily, these prescription eye drop can decrease inflammation or increase production of the body’s own tears.
3. IPL – Dry eye caused by MGD can be treated with an FDA approved procedure called Intense Pulsed Light. This procedure eliminates the inflammation which leads to Meibomian gland loss.
4. In office treatments – Rinsada offers a deep eye rinse to reset the ocular surface. Nulids deep cleans the eye lids and lashes of debris, bacteria and dead cells which can block glands.
5. No Treatment – I may choose to do nothing and tolerate the symptoms of my dry eye condition.