To your patients, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) may not sound like something they want to put in their eyes. However, its natural antimicrobial and disinfectant properties offer several important benefits for managing common eye conditions such as blepharitis and dry eye disease (DED).
If you are not already using HOCl products in your practice, you may want to consider adding them to your existing portfolio of ophthalmic solutions.
What is hypochlorous acid?
Hypochlorous acid occurs naturally in the body and is produced by our white blood cells when they detect the presence of infection or harmful bacteria. When used as a solution or cleanser, HOCl offers a safe and non-toxic treatment option that is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
Not surprisingly, hypochlorous acid experienced a popularity boost during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became one of many disinfectants recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency to safeguard against the disease. According to the World Health Organization, HOCl is "the most potent and environmentally safe disinfectant available."
Today, hypochlorous acid is used in a variety of clinical settings, from hospitals and dermatology practices to the modern eye care clinic.
How does HOCl benefit your eye care patients?
Our eyelids are highly susceptible to bacteria overpopulation, which can lead to redness, irritation, and inflammation. If left unaddressed, bacteria will continue to grow and can lead to a variety of ocular conditions—including blepharitis, chronic dry eye, and conjunctivitis.
Eye care practitioners today are leveraging the power of hypochlorous acid by harnessing its natural antimicrobial and disinfectant properties to mitigate the harmful effects of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
When applied topically, HOCl works quickly to reduce the amount of bacteria around the eyelids and eyelashes and provides immediate relief for bacteria-related inflammation. Hypochlorous acid solutions can also be used for cleaning the area around the eyes before and after ocular surgery.
Pure&Clean® Vision: Shelf-stable HOCl products
Until recently, the lack of shelf stability prevented the widespread use of HOCl in the clinical setting. However, Pure&Clean has developed a unique manufacturing process that allows the solution to be stable for much longer than previously attainable.
With a shelf life of 24 months (not impacted by opening), Pure&Clean Vision HOCl products are among the most stable in the vision care market. They are also non-toxic, non-irritating, and safe for use in patients of all ages, making them an effective alternative for patients with sensitivities to other lid products.
Pure&Clean Vision Lid Prep
Veatch offers three highly effective Pure&Clean Vision Lid Prep solutions: Daily Lid Drops, Daily Lid Cleanse (liquid spray), and Daily Lid Gel.
Daily Lid Drops
Available in a 1-oz. liquid dropper bottle (24-ct. box), this proprietary solution of electrolyzed HOCl can be prescribed as a first-line solution for patients with symptoms of lid disease and potentially chronic dry eye to gently cleanse bacteria from around the eyes.
LEARN MORE
Daily Lid Cleanse
Available in a 2-oz. liquid spray bottle (24-ct. box), this proprietary solution of electrolyzed HOCl can be prescribed to patients with symptoms of lid disease and potentially chronic dry eye to gently cleanse bacteria from around the eyes.
It is best for more difficult cases such as blepharitis, meibomianitis, and rosacea.
LEARN MORE
Daily Lid Gel
Available in a 2-oz. hydrogel spray bottle (24-ct. box), this fast-acting formula can be prescribed to patients with symptoms of lid disease and potentially chronic dry eye to gently cleanse bacteria from around the eyes.
It is also effective for more difficult cases such as blepharitis, meibomianitis, and rosacea.
LEARN MORE
Shop Pure&Clean Vision at Veatch
FDA-cleared Pure&Clean Vision products provide a natural alternative to harsh chemical products. The fast-acting solutions are proven effective against a wide variety of bacteria and viruses* and will not burn or sting your patients' eyes.
Discover the full suite of Pure&Clean Vision products today at Veatch, along with Hand Prep (ideal for contact lens wearers to help prevent infection) and Equipment & Surface Prep spray for use on your office countertops and equipment.
*View microorganism efficacy test