RICHMOND, Texas — OCuSOFT Inc., producer of the popular ocular-lid hygiene products, OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) and OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS, is responding to a recent advertisement released by Advanced Vision Research (AVR) that was found to be misleading.
The study, a bacteria time-kill analysis, compared OCuSOFT’s Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS Eyelid Cleanser to AVR’s SteriLid(R). However, according to OCuSOFT’s Executive Vice President, Patrick Witham, “comparing the bacteria kill rate for these two products based on 30-second time point is like comparing apples to oranges.” In addition, no evidence was found in AVR’s analysis that results were based on independent-lab setting tests.
While both products are eyelid cleansers, they differ in their application and the time in which each product achieves maximum effectiveness. OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS can be used as a leave-on therapy, while SteriLid(R), according to manufacturer instructions, should be left in place for 60-seconds to achieve maximum effectiveness.
The AVR advertisement compared OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS and SteriLid(R) at the 30-second time point.
“Unlike SteriLid(R), OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS was never intended to achieve maximum effectiveness at 30-seconds,” Witham said.
OCuSOFT conducted their own study, performed by an independent laboratory, Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC, which tested OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS after 60-seconds, 60-minutes and 120-minutes. Bacteria reductions were greatest at contact times corresponding with instructions for “leave-on” application. At 120-minutes, at least a 99.9% bacteria reduction was realized on all bacteria, and for some, as much as 99.99%.
For comprehensive, independent laboratory study results, visit: http://www.ocusoft.com/studies/studyresults.html.
“For a true comparison,” Witham explained, “AVR should have compared OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS at the 120-minute time point to SteriLid(R) at the 60-second time point.” They would have found that OCuSOFT(R) is more effective.
OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS was developed with an understanding that most patients, and even health care providers, will not spend 60-seconds applying a solution and rinsing it off.
Emily Sickbert-Bennet, a public health epidemiologist with the University of North Carolina Health Care System and the UNC School of Public Health conducted a study that illustrates that, on average, health care providers spend less than 10-seconds scrubbing their hands.
“This is important information that should not be dismissed. The parallels that can be drawn between these hygiene regimens speak volumes about the likelihood of a patient realistically complying with a 60-second eyelid scrubbing regimen,” Witham said. “We developed this practically non-irritating formula in an effort to increase patient compliance. What good is served by recommending a regimen that patients will not adhere to?”
OCuSOFT, Inc. specializes in ophthalmic research, development and supply to ophthalmologists and optometrists. They address clinical needs through well-researched and technological solutions, while improving patient compliance.
For a free sample of OCuSOFT(R) Lid Scrub(TM) PLUS, click: http://www.ocusoft.com/sample1.html. For more information about the company and their products, visit: http://www.ocusoft.com .
All trademarks acknowledged.
[tags]OCuSOFT Lid Scrub, ophthalmic research, development and supply to ophthalmologists, Advanced Vision Research advertisement[/tags]
