Millions of people suffer from chronic dry eye, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and meibomitis. Treatment of these patients has been a difficult task for optometrists and ophthalmologists. Indeed, a significant number of patients who seek relief for these chronic and debilitating conditions will bounce from doctor to doctor looking for a reprieve from their discomfort. Recent evidence indicates that almost ten percent of the American population suffers to some degree from these persistent complaints.
Avenova, from NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is the new kid on the block. The active ingredient in this revolutionary product is Neutrox ™, a pure, stable form of hypochlorous acid, the same chemical produced by the body's white blood cells to combat against in-fections, inflammatory toxins and biofilms. Avenova offers our suffering patients relief from their red, sore, achy eyes. In solution, Avenova has antimicrobial activity and laboratory results demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity as well.
Over-the-counter products do not appear to give continuous relief, leaving our patients to use topical prescription antibiotic or steroid eye drops, oral doxycycline, irritating baby shampoo cleanses, warm compresses, and high dosages of Omega 3 oils. No single treatment plan will resolve the discomfort, and often a combination of several treatments is needed. Now, Avenova appears to be a breakthrough cleanser for dry eye and blepharitis.
Many patients develop ocular complaints as they age. Others develop problems associated with rosacea and seborrhea. Still others will develop problems related to tear disruption secondary to contact lenses, corneal sutures, and punctual plugs.
Frequently, dry eye, blepharitis, MGD, and meibomitis will coexist and exacerbate each other, leaving patients with symptoms of dry, itchy, red or swollen eyelids, burning, tearing, flaking, and/or crusting. These common signs and symptoms leave patients screaming for relief. Often patients are undiagnosed, under diagnosed, or untreated, but why let them suffer?
Although there may be no true panacea to solve dry eye, blepharitis, MGD, or meibomitis, Avenova is a step in that direction. Whether it is used alone or in combination with other treatments, my patients have found it an easy and effective solution to their complaints.
It is nontoxic and nonirritating. Simply spray twice onto a cotton round or make-up pad, and rub the eyelids two or three times twice per day. It is an effective solution to cleanse and remove bacteria that are often a major cause of their problems. Most patients start to obtain relief in two weeks. One of the exciting benefits of Avenova is that I can avoid the use of topical and oral antibiotics and steroids. Even though I have continued to use warm compresses and high dosage Omega 3, I have been able to reduce the reliance on other prescription medications. There is no need to create a "superbug" or medication side effects when effective cleansing works.
Working in a refractive practice, I frequently encounter patients who struggle with maintaining proper lid hygiene in the postoperative period. These patients cannot and must not scrub their eyelids or continue with warm compresses. The potential fear of dislodging, wrinkling, or potentially damaging the integrity of their corneal Lasik flap is most critical the first two to three weeks post-Lasik.
Avenova has provided me with a simple solution for these particular dilemmas. In my practice, patients can now spray Avenova directly on their eyelids and preserve good eyelid hygiene while allowing their eyes to heal safely in the postsurgical period. Instead of the typical recommended instructions, I instruct patients to spray directly on closed eyelids twice a day for maximum and safe treatment for the first two weeks. By and large, this has been very effective and gives my surgical patients a convenient solution.
A happy and content patient is the goal. Overall, in my practice, Avenova has been shown to help eliminate the signs and symptoms of chronic dry eye and blepharitis. It is definitely an effective solution for daily eyelid and eyelash hygiene, especially during postoperative periods.
Dr. Anar Maurya, O.D.
Woodhams Eye Clinic
(770) 394-4000
For more information about Avenova, visit www.avenova.com, or call 1 (800) 890-0329.
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