Bruder Healthcare, a Hilco Vision Company, has launched the Eyedration: a single-use moist heat eye mask designed to provide relief for dry and tired eyes.
Wait … doesn’t Bruder already offer similar products?
They do! This latest product joins the company’s lineup of moist heat wraps and pads—and is a complete to the Moist Heat Eye Compress—as well as targeted eye care solutions for:
- Dry eye
- Contact lens discomfort
- Eyelid & eyelash hygiene
- Hydration & eye health
- Blepharitis & inflammation
- Sinus & allergy
- Chalazion
Talk about this “moist heat” science.
Bruder’s moist heat treatment products incorporate its patented MediBeads technology, which contains silver-infused MediBeads that have specifically engineered to absorb moisture from the air and store until released when heated (when used in the Moist Heat Eye Compress, this can be done via the microwave).
This heat gives the MediBeads a “resilient structure, and the unique advantage of selective and controlled absorption—absorbing only water molecules, while rejecting body oils and any other organic fluids,” according to a white paper published by Bruder.
Overall, the bead’s use of silver (known for antibacterial and anti-microbial properties), enables the material to be durable, safe, efficient, and hygienic.
Now this product.
Sold in a 10-mask pouch, the single-use, air-activated moist heat eye mask is designed to begin heating once opened and exposed to air, with soft ear loops on either side to keep in place over the eyes.
Of note, the therapeutic moist heat melts the meibum oil in the eyelid glands to maintain tear production.
Per Joshua Davidison, OD, FAAO, FSLS, founder and CEO of The Dry Eye Drink LLC, which Bruder owns the licensing rights to (more on that in a moment), the mask provides clinicians with, “a one-time use product for patients who have added manual expression and debridement of the eyelids.”
How does it differ from other moist heat products?
The biggest differentiator: unlike the Moist Heat Eye Compress, this product doesn’t require the use of a microwave.
In fact, according to Brent Jones, global head of Dry Eye for Hilco Vision and general manager at Bruder Healthcare, it’s ideal for maintaining an eye health regimen while traveling.
Does it complement any other Bruder products?
Yup! According to the company, the mask complements its specialty instrument products, including the following:
- Karpecki Debrider: designed to remove keratin caps of the meibomian glands
- COLLINS Expressor Forceps: designed for mild or aggressive meibomian gland expression. The forceps have been designed specifically for the purpose of expressing meibum oil from the meibomian glands.
Didn’t the company recently announce other product news?
Relatively recently, yes.
In June 2023, Bruder acquired the Percutaneous Allergy Test from AllerFocus via a distribution agreement (see here for our coverage).
And in February 2023, Bruder acquired the exclusive licensing to the Dry Eye Relief Drink in February 2023 (see here for our coverage, including a one-one-one interview with Dry Eye Drink’s Davidson).
Gotcha. So where can I find it?
The masks were introduced at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, earlier this month (October 11-14, 2023). Stay tuned for purchasing details!