A new treatment for ocular surface cleaning is looking to provide patients with immediate and lasting relief in the form of an engineered device: Rinsada.
Rinsada inventor Srini Kondapalli, MD, a practicing ophthalmology and retina specialist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spoke with Glance President Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO, on how this breakthrough device is a unique game-changer for clinicians and patients.
So what exactly is Rinsada?
With a patented design (patent No. 11,471,143) and solution delivery process, Rinsada is an irrigating lid retractor made of two pieces of plastic welded together via sterilized gamma radiation.
Its purpose: to reset the ocular tear film by irrigating the entire ocular surface—including the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix—all with just one use.
Why irrigate the ocular surface and fornix?
Because the area “traps inflammation, bacteria, allergens, and micro-particulate matter on the surface.”
And how is this done?
Through the Luer Lock of a standard 10-cc medical syringe that uses sterile eye wash solution to apply high-pressure irrigation to the target underneath the eyelid.
The ideal result: reduced inflammatory load and allergens in the target areas, potentially providing patients immediate symptom relief associated with eye irritation.
Click here for guides on how to properly use and administer the device.
And see here for a step-by-step visual.
How much fluid is needed?
Rinsada noted that, in clinical research, 10 cc was used for the superior eyelid and 5 cc for the inferior eyelid.
Note: The eyelid retractor’s soft curve features five irrigating micro-ports that distribute eye wash in three directions to provide a thorough flush of the ocular surface and underneath the eyelid.
Speaking of studies … how has this device performed clinically?
The company’s first clinical data on Rinsada when used on dry eye disease (DED) patients (aged 18+) was reported during the 2023 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) annual meeting,
Per those results, the device was shown to “statistically reduce (matrix metalloproteinase-9) MMP-9 on the ocular surface and improve patient symptoms” at 3 hours post-rinse. Further, a >70% reduction in MMP-9 and over 40% of patients converted to negative MMP-9 following a rinse using the device, according to the company.
And the conclusion?
The findings noted that Rinsada’s rinsing capabilities in reducing MMP-9 levels vs baseline were “superior to a standard eye rinse” and may be a new therapeutic avenue for DED patients.
Speaking of patients … who else might benefit from Rinsada?
Reportedly, any patients presenting with ocular surface disease (OSD) symptoms or complaints of eye irritation.
Does that include allergic conjunctivitis?
Indeed it does—at least, according to the company.
This is because, since the device specifically targets the palpebral conjunctiva, it mechanically removes pollen (ie: the allergen) from the antigen presenting cell (where the allergic response begins) in the eye.
Nice! So is it reusable?
Nope, just once. And that’s for the sake of avoiding potential disintegration, malfunctions, or loose microplastic that may end up in the eye.
So where can I find this device for my practice?
While Rinsada offers a map for patients to search for eyecare professionals (ECPs) offering the device, ECPs interested in purchasing it for their clinical practice are asked to contact the company directly.