The Chris Wolfe Podcast: Clinical Roundtable: Rethinking Punctal Occlusion in Modern Dry Eye Care

In this thought-provoking clinical roundtable, Dr. Chris Wolfe is joined by Dr. Shane Kannarr and Dr. Aaron Werner to unpack the real-world implications of Lacrifill, a novel hyaluronic acid-based punctal occlusion device that’s changing the conversation around dry eye management.

What starts as a lighthearted discussion about plumbing and practice life quickly turns into a deep dive into how Lacrifill may reshape our protocols, especially in a landscape where traditional plugs have fallen out of favor. From staining outcomes and HA elution to procedural technique and patient selection strategies, this episode is packed with critical thinking, clinical transparency, and honest questions.

Topics Covered:

How Lacrifill differs from traditional punctal plugs

Why inflammation changed the game—and may be causing underuse of occlusion

The value of fluorescein and lissamine staining, lid wiper epitheliopathy, and neurotrophic keratopathy

Real-world feedback: injection technique, cannula size, managing patient discomfort

Strategic use in seasonal dry eye, post-cataract care, and diagnostic dry eye pathways

How to build consistent, team-based dry eye protocols that evolve with innovation

Whether you’re just beginning to explore dry eye treatment or looking to refine your advanced protocol, this episode provides a candid, collaborative look at how Lacrifill might become more than just the “new plug”—and instead, a pillar in your dry eye strategy.

Plus: Tips for integrating procedures more confidently and systematizing care so your entire team delivers better outcomes.

Resources:
Lacrifill clinical trial and product data (https://lacrifill.com/clinical-trial-and-product-data/)

Disposable Blunt Tip Dispensing Needle (https://a.co/d/63bXrPS)

 

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