Advertise With UsAdvertise on our extensive network of industry websites and newsletters.
Get the PBR newsletterSign up to our free email to get all the latest PBR
news.OCuSOFT, an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company (the Company) with an established reputation for innovation in eyelid hygiene and ocular health, is pleased to announce the availability of OCuSOFT HypoChlor, a 0.02% concentration of Hypochlorous acid in both Spray and Gel formulation which can be used to supplement its existing OCuSOFT Lid Scrub family of eyelid cleansers in the most severe cases.
Subscribe to our email newsletter
The Company also wishes to take this opportunity to better clarify the role of Hypochlorous acid in managing eyelid care. We believe that recent public statements concerning Hypochlorous acid and its role in comparison to over-the-counter (OTC) eyelid cleansers have contained statements which may have left the ophthalmic community confused and could lead to unnecessary patient costs.
The FDA requires that Hypochlorous acid is registered as a medical device which may be marketed by the filing company as either a prescription (Rx) or OTC product.
The basis of Rx vs. OTC relies on the claims that can be made of the product as contrasted with ingredient concentration. More specific claims can be made if the product is marketed as an Rx ("… for use under the supervision of healthcare professionals…; for moistening absorbent wound dressings and cleaning minor cuts, minor burns…" etc.) however, more general claims are made if the product is OTC ("…immediate care of minor cuts, minor scrapes and minor burns.") Generally, the Rx vs. OTC has nothing to do with percentage of principle ingredient.
For example, OCuSOFT HypoChlor Solution and OCuSOFT HypoChlor Gel both contain 0.02% Hypochlorous acid and are OTC. Other companies’ brands are available at lower strengths than OCuSOFT HypoChlor yet one may be Rx and another OTC.
OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Original and OCuSOFT Lid Scrub PLUS are effective and intended for continuous daily eyelid hygiene use. The root cause of anterior blepharitis is the overproduction of oils. Mild surfactants in OCuSOFT Lid Scrub eyelid cleansers act to dissolve and remove oil, debris and desquamated skin.
Hypochlorous acid formulas do not contain these surfactants and thus are largely ineffective in debriding the oil, scales and debris often associated with eyelid irritations. Accordingly, in the most severe cases where Hypochlorous acid might be most beneficial, it is suggested to use Combination Therapy including both a surfactant cleanser and Hypochlorous acid to achieve optimum results.