RICHMOND, Tex. –- October 11, 2007 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) – OCuSOFT Inc., producer of the popular ocular-lid hygiene products, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub™ and OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub™ 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™ PLUS Eyelid Cleanser to AVR’s SteriLid®. 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® Lid Scrub™ PLUS can be used as a leave-on therapy, while SteriLid®, according to manufacturer instructions, should be left in place for 60-seconds to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The AVR advertisement compared OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub™ PLUS and SteriLid® at the 30-second time point.

“Unlike SteriLid®, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub™ 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® Lid Scrub™ 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: www.ocusoft.com/studies/studyresults.html

“For a true comparison,” Witham explained, “AVR should have compared OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub™ PLUS at the 120-minute time point to SteriLid® at the 60-second time point.” They would have found that OCuSOFT® is more effective.

OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub™ 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® Lid Scrub™ PLUS, click: www.ocusoft.com/sample1.html. For more information about the company and their products, visit: www.ocusoft.com.

Media Contact:
Jane Devine
of OCuSOFT, Inc
+1-800-233-5469
jdevine@ocusoft.com