New Eye Treatment Is “One of the Best Tools I’ve Found,” Patient Reports

An informal survey of doctors and patients finds that NovaBay Pharmaceuticals’ i-Lid Cleanser is improving the quality of patients’ lives all across the U.S.

San Rafael, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2014 / The Eye Institute, located in Marin County, California, announced today that an informal nationwide survey of eye doctors and patients shows success with the use of a recently launched product, i-Lid(TM) Cleanser, as part of the treatment for Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome associated with Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. The condition is the result of over-colonization of Staph bacteria, resulting in inflammation of eye lids and blockage of meibomian glands that help lubricate the eye surface. “We’re finding this innovative product has had significant impact in helping many patients,” said Kathryn Najafi-Tagol, MD, Founder and Medical Director of the Eye Institute.

One grateful patient in the survey is Ramsey Flynn of Towson, Maryland. Blepharitis “has impaired my life for over 20 years,” Flynn reported. But recently, his eye doctor, renowned eye surgeon Sheri Rowen, MD, introduced him to what he described as “a remarkably simple prescription called i-Lid Cleanser. It's a gentle solution that I can spray onto a cotton ball and wipe across my closed eyelids.”

The product finally brought him relief. “It's one of the best tools I've found in my fight against the unruly beast of blepharitis,” he reported. “Much recommended!”

Dr. Rowen commented, “Blepharitis is an often very uncomfortable and can be a chronic condition where Staphylcocci bacteria grow on eyelids, causing swelling, redness, inflammation, irritation, a crusty build-up. It often causes enough inflammation to block the Meibomian glands that provide lubrication to the surface of cornea. This is a widespread problem affecting an estimated 23 million sufferers across the United States.”

i-Lid Cleanser is made by NovaBay(R) Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NBY) and has been cleared by the FDA as a skin and wound cleanser. It has in-vitro broad antimicrobial activity because of NovaBay’s proprietary ingredient, Neutrox^™, which mimics the substance used by white blood cells as their first line of defense against bacteria and other microbial invaders. Lab tests also show Neutrox not only kills bacteria, it also neutralizes the bacterial toxins that contribute to Blepharitis and associated dry eye syndrome.

John Moore, a retired professional from Walnut Creek, CA, is another satisfied patient. He suffered from Blepharitis for over ten years. Nothing brought him relief—until he was prescribed i-Lid Cleanser. “I am so happy with the results,” he reported.

Similarly, other Blepharitis patients—and their doctors—say that i-Lid Cleanser has finally brought them relief.

The survey also asked ophthalmologists and optometrists for their experiences with i-Lid Cleanser. A sampling of responses:

-- “I have to say that it really is amazing and patients love it,” reported Scott Kamena, O.D., at Murrieta Optometry in Livermore, CA.

-- “Under the microscope on a wet prep done by two of our interested O.D.'s who specialize in Ocular Surface Disease, NovaBay i-Lid™ Cleanser appears to kill Demodex,” said Dick Lindstrom, M.D., founder and attending surgeon of Minnesota Eye Consultants as well as Adjunct Clinical Professor Emeritus at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota and Chair, ASCRS Foundation.

-- “NovaBay i-Lid Cleanser offers a long term solution and is a safe option for the management of over colonized lid flora,” wrote Eric Donnenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S. National Medical Director of TLC Laser Eye Centers, based in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

-- “We have had very nice results,” wrote S. Barry Eiden, O.D., F.A.A.O., President and Medical Director of North Suburban Vision Consultant, Ltd. and assistant clinical professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

-- “I’ve been using it for a few months and I am impressed with it. Patients seem to like it and appear improved on it,” wrote Steven G. Safran, M.D., PA, an ophthalmologist in Lawrenceville, NJ.

-- “i-Lid has been a huge improvement over soap-based lid scrubs,” reported Susan J. Gromacki, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O. of Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Chevy Chase, MD. 

Contact:

Source: The Eye Institute