Richmond, TX (January 11, 2006) — CYNACON/OCuSOFT® , a broad based supplier of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and supplies, is pleased to announce the introduction of the Mastrota Meibomian Paddle. Perfectly balanced and smooth-edged, the titanium Mastrota Meibomian Paddle is designed to gently and effectively express meibum from the meibomian glands.  When positioned behind the anesthetized eyelid parallel to the glands, gentle digital pressure on the outer lid prompts meibum egress.

Early treatments for MGD discuss the efficacy of squeezing the lids and expressing the glands of secretions, a strategy that is still recognized as effective today. Katherine M. Mastrota, MS, OD of New York City states, “I developed this paddle in an effort to minimize iatrogenic conjunctival trauma, enhance efficacy and reduce discomfort of meibomian gland expression. Ergonomically designed, a smooth, paddle shaped prototype tool was earlier fabricated in borosilicate glass and proved to be a useful addition to the diagnostic and therapeutic management of MGD. Meibomian gland expression is an integral part of my dry eye examination.  The Mastrota Meibomian Paddle has proven to be an invaluable tool in my evaluation of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and its impact on ocular surface disease. ”

Patrick H. Witham, OCuSOFT® Executive Vice President, adds, “The instrument just made sense. In consultation with Dr. Mastrota we chose to manufacture this instrument in titanium allowing a sturdier more reliable tool for the practitioner. This fits nicely with OCuSOFT’s core message of promoting lid hygiene, and of course, it is our hope that the visits to practitioner for meibomian gland expression can be minimized with the implementation of good consistent lid hygiene with the OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub. ”

For more information about this and other CYNACON/OCuSOFT® products, please contact: Troy Smith, Vice President of Sales
Phone: 800.233.5469; 281.342.3350
Email: tsmith@ocusoft.com