When it comes to eyelid and lash hygiene, many people don’t really give it a second thought. For anyone who undergoes cataract surgery the possibility of infection is a reality. Infection is also a potential problem for those who wear contact lenses. To help prevent infection, Sacramento eye doctor Stephen Wilmarth, MD is asking patients use a new Rx eyelid and lash hygiene product in order to maintain daily hygiene.
Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Propionibacterium are forms of bacteria that are normally found on skin, including on the eyelids and lashes but are considered to be harmless in most instances. People are unaware of the dangers that these bacteria pose if they get into the eye during surgery.
If these otherwise harmless bacteria enter the eye during a procedure such as cataract surgery, they can cause endophthalmitis, an extremely dangerous infection that can result in severe loss of sight or blindness.
Surgeons typically take extra care in scrubbing eyelids with antiseptics and applying antibiotics directly into the eye prior to surgery. Dr. Stephen Wilmarth takes additional precaution to help minimize risk by having patients wipe their eyelids and lashes twice a day for a week prior to surgery with Avenova, a non-toxic product designed to defend against microbial invaders.
Avenova contains a pure 0.1% concentration of hypochlorous acid (HOCI) in saline. The product is from NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and has been shown to contain potent antimicrobial activity in solution against the bacteria that is present on the eyelids while also neutralizing bacterial toxins.
Dr. Wilmarth also recommends the use of the product by those who wear contact lenses. Risk of infection is greater for those who wear contacts, so daily use can help in maintaining the good hygiene of eyelids and lashes.
If you would like to learn more about Avenova and how it can benefit your eye health, contact Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center by calling (916) 850-3060 to schedule an initial consultation with Sacramento eye doctor Stephen Wilmarth, MD. We proudly serve those in the areas in and around Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, and the greater Sacramento region.
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