Three Reasons Optometrists Are Loving Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
Optometrists play a distinctive role in promoting eye health and vision care. Amidst the array of products designed for addressing various ocular and peri-ocular conditions, hypochlorous acid-based solutions emerge as an innovative eye care solution, well-suited for a range of patient eye care needs. In today’s article, we explore the applications and advantages of hypochlorous acid in caring for the health of one’s eye.
In the realm of eye care solutions, optometrists have a wealth of options providing antibacterial and cleansing benefits. However, standing out from the crowd is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) – an innovative and gentle solution that not only nurtures eye hydration and health but also takes aim at unwanted bacterias, pathogens and inflammation.
3 Reasons Why Optometrists Love Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
1. HOCl is an Antibacterial Powerhouse
While numerous products offer antibacterial benefits, such as antibiotic eye drops, HOCl offers clinicians a targeted solution for ocular bacteria. In fact, a recent study¹ found a >99% reduction in the staphylococcal bacterial load on the surface of the skin 20 minutes following application of HOCl. The study also found that the HOCl-based eye care solution removed removed staphylococcal isolates that were resistant to multiple antibiotics equally well as those isolates that were susceptible to antibiotics¹. This is particularly promising considering the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria² which, at this point, most of us are well aware of.
The best part? Well, we’re glad you asked! This same study concluded that the topical application of HOCl significantly reduced the bacterial load on the ocular skin surface without altering the diversity of bacterial species remaining on the skin under the lower eyelid¹. Meaning, HOCl is a gentle, efficacious means of targeting infection or irritation causing bacterias without compromising the unique colony of good bacterias integral to overall eyelid health¹.
2. HOCl is Highly Tolerated & Safe
Considering the area around one’s eye is quite delicate and susceptible to irritation from the topical application of products, optometrists and ocular hygienists want to ensure they are recommending products with an impeccable safety profile and proven tolerability. This is what makes HOCl-based eye care solutions a top choice for industry experts.
Clinical studies have demonstrated HOCl solutions have a very strong ocular safety profile while maintaining exceptional patient tolerability³⁻⁴. One study³ in particular found that when compared to povidone-iodine and sodium hypochlorite (i.e. bleach) sprays, HOCl-based solutions lead to no changes in the tear levels of MMP-9, a well-known marker of the inflammatory response.
Another analysis⁴ of HOCl in the treatment of 65 cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, found no tolerability issues in patient treatments, and noted daily application of HOCl eyecare lead to significant decreases in infection, irritation, discharge, redness and vision impairment⁴.
3. HOCl is Easy to Use
In our latest video series, BIHOCL in Practice we met with Innovation Eye Clinic to talk about their experience using BIHOCL O.D. with patients. The clinic’s owner and lead optometrist, Dr. Jason Chau, noted:
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When it comes to patient compliance, accessibility and convenience are integral. That’s what makes HOCl-based eye care a preferable choice; it’s easy for patients to use at home. Unlike drops, gels, or foaming cleansers, HOCl-based solutions such as BIHOCL O.D. can be misted directly onto the eye area and wiped with a cotton round. Similarly, patients can spray the solution directly onto the cotton round and wipe the lid and lash area. No matter how you spray, you can rest assured knowing the product will always remain simultaneously safe and effective.
What else are eye care experts saying about HOCl?
Interested in discovering more about the innovative world of HOCl in eye care? Here’s what some leading eye care experts have to say BIHOCL O.D., a pure hypochlorous eye hygiene spray, and a leading Canadian solution:
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Interested in learning more about HOCl for eye care? Or, how your clinic can thrive with BIHOCl O.D.?
Check out more information about BIHOCL O.D. or explore some of our featured eye care blogs which include relevant, scientific, and educational content that can further your understanding of how hypochlorous acid can provide dry eye relief or target staph bacteria.
References
- Stroman, D. W., Mintun, K., Epstein, A. B., Brimer, C. M., Patel, C. R., Branch, J. D., & Najafi-Tagol, K. (2017). Reduction in bacterial load using hypochlorous acid hygiene solution on ocular skin. Clinical Ophthalmology, 707-714.
- Frère, J. M., & Rigali, S. (2016). The alarming increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Drug Target Rev, 3, 26-30.
- Romano, G. L., Lazzara, F., Conti, F., Giunta, S., Drago, F., & Bucolo, C. (2021). Ocular safety profile of a new formulation based on hypochlorous acid in rabbit eye. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 62(8), 726-726.
- Adamson, P. S., Roos, H., & von Holdt, J. (2015). Treatment of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis with topical ultrapure stable hypochlorous acid (HOCl): a clinical evaluation and treatment response in 79 cases. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 56(7), 280-280.
LEADING THE WAY IN HOCl FOR HEALTHCARE
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