Some patients have really been helped with Lacrisert. Depending on a patient’s medical history, about 50% feel improvement in their dry eye symptoms after using Lacrisert. However, 50% do not feel an improvement.

The most common reason for not feeling an improvement is not giving the Lacrisert enough of a chance. The insert (below’s link) says it can take a few weeks to notice an improvement.

If a patient feels worse or no improvement with Lacrisert, I usually move quickly to a more potent treatment such as Intraductal Gland Probing and/or Autologous Serum.

Some patients find it hard to insert the Lacrisert. Some patients put it on a clean finertip and put in the Lacrisert directly with their finger tip. Either method holds the risk of scratching the cornea but I have not seen that happen with any of my patients thus far.

If a patient has good manual dexterity or help at home, Lacrisert is a good option to try before moving to more expensive options. Most insurances cover Lacrisert. Otherwise it can cost about $300 for a 2-3 month supply

More positive & negatives of Lacrisert discussed on site below (#2):

Sandra Lora Cremers, MD, FACS

1.

LACRISERT (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is a sterile, translucent, rod-shaped, water soluble, preservative-free, slow-release lubricant which is placed into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye.

LACRISERT acts to stabilize and thicken the precorneal tear film and prolongs the tear film breakup time which is usually accelerated in patients with dry eye states.

LACRISERT also acts to lubricate and protect the eye.

LACRISERT has been proven to relieve the following symptoms1: dryness, burning, tearing, foreign body sensation, itching, photophobia, and blurred vision. It also can be used to treat the following eye conditions: exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity and recurrent corneal erosions.

Key Features 

• Once a day for most people
• Preservative-free
• Continuous lubrication over the course of a day*

*Individual results may vary.

Indications and Usage

LACRISERT (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is indicated in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions.

Important Safety Information

• LACRISERT (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is contraindicated in patients
  who are hypersensitive to hydroxypropyl cellulose.
• Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT should be carefully followed.
• If improperly placed, LACRISERT may result in corneal abrasion. Because LACRISERT may cause transient blurred vision, patients should be instructed to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• The following adverse reactions have been reported, but were in most instances mild and temporary: transient blurring of vision, ocular discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, photophobia, hypersensitivity, eyelid edema, and hyperemia.

Please see full Prescribing Information for LACRISERT (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert).

LACRISERT (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) : Additional information See LACRISERT Full Prescribing Information LACRISERT Patient Instructions Download the Patient Assistance Program Form

1. LACRISERT [package insert] Madison, NJ: ATON Pharma, 2008

US/LAC/14/0007(3)

2. http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showthread.php?9734-Trying-Lacrisert