June 7, 2007 (Richmond, Texas) CYNACON / OCuSOFT (OCuSOFT, Inc.), a company specializing in ophthalmic research, development and supply to ophthalmologists and optometrists is pleased to announce that Advanced Vision Research (AVR), has decided to discontinue the claim that "lid scrubs don’t kill anything".

Recently, AVR introduced an eyelid cleanser that purported to be superior to other eyelid cleansers by offering certain anti-bacterial properties. In some advertisements, AVR went on to claim, "lid scrubs don’t kill anything". OCuSOFT took issue with this statement because it was false and misleading insofar as OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS Extra Strength (ES) does, in fact, kill bacteria. In two separate independent laboratory studies OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS ES showed significant anti-bacterial efficacy, in many cases > 99% kill rate. Those organisms included: S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, M. catarrhalis, S. marcescens as well as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

It is important that practitioners have all relevant facts when considering product choices for their patients. The fact is that for many patients, practitioners may not wish to recommend an anti-bacterial cleansing agent due to added and unnecessary costs as well as the risk of developing anti-bacterial resistance from "everyday" use. In cases where cost is a factor, OCuSOFT's Original Formula is economically priced (in most cases one-half the cost of the AVR cleanser) and is frequently recommended for mild-moderate conditions. For pre-surgical use and for blepharitis cases where bacteria are present, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS ES is indicated. Once under control, patients may be re-directed to the economically priced Original Formula for on-going lid hygiene. AVR offers no such economic alternative.

OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS ES has been shown to be less irritating than the AVR product when inadvertently introduced into the eyes. This is, of course, important since patients that experience eye irritation may discontinue use leading to poor patient compliance. OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS ES has been reported on by a number of respected clinicians and academic speakers. These reports not only highlight the efficacy of OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS ES but also its safety when inadvertently introduced into the eyes. 

Paul Koch, M.D., Chairman of CYNACON / OCuSOFT’s Medical Advisory Board, states,  “I’m pleased to see the company direct its resources toward new product development such as the OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS. OCuSOFT is truly making great strides in the management of ocular surface disease.”   

For more information about OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub PLUS Extra Strength or other CYNACON / OCuSOFT products, contact: