TearRestore Inc. announced its latest over-the-counter (OTC) eye care product release: the NeutraWipe ECO, towelette wipes for eyelid cleansing.
Refresh me on this company.
Spun out from the University of Minnesota in 2018—with funding from the National Science Foundation—TearRestore was founded as a medical technology company that provides dry eye patients with relief for their symptoms.
Among its offerings are eyelid cleansing (our topic of discussion) and thermal masks designed as reusable heat packs with meibomian gland applicators that match the anatomy of the eyelid for more targeted treatment.
Now this eyelid cleanser.
The latest addition to TearRestore’s eyelid cleansers (which also includes the HylaWipe Tea Tree Leaf Oil) is a hypoallergenic, oil- and salt-free wipe formulated with three ingredients:
- Manuka honey
- Sourced from New Zealand
- Antibacterial hydrolyzed soy protein
- Derived from soybeans and rich in amino acids to boost hydration and elasticity in skin
- Infused on ultra-soft, biodegradable bamboo material
- Purified water
- Via New Zealand
I’ve got to ask: Why use Manuka honey?
Believe it or not, Manuka honey provides microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits for treating eye irritation and blepharitis.
When used in the form of eye drops (such as Optimel’s Manuka Dry Eye Drops [glycerin 0.2%]), the honey has been shown to restore eye comfort and stabilize the overall health of the ocular surface.
There better be clinical data to support this.
In fact, a 2022 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology evaluating Manuka honey eye drops for treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) found favorable results.
That data: Patients treated with the drops demonstrated a significant difference (at 3 weeks) in the following:
- Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score
- Lid margin redness
- Conjunctival redness
- Corneal surface stain
- Meibum quality and expressibility
Go on …
Before those findings, a study (NCT03622619) published in 2019 evaluating Manuka eye drops vs a non-lipid-based eye drop on tear film properties in dry eye patients also included positive findings.
That data: The Manuka drops were more effective for reducing tear film evaporation, increasing tear break-up time (TBUT), and improving dry eye symptoms than the lipid-based eye drops after 4 weeks of daily use.
And how is this honey incorporated into TearRestore’s eyelid cleanser?
Formulated with the other two ingredients, premium 650 MGO Manuka honey is intended to provide the following benefits: moisturizing, healthy eyelid promotion, reduced inflammation, and reduced red/puffy/irritated eyes.
Gotcha. So what can these wipes be used for?
The company recommends using once or twice a day for the following:
- Blepharitis
- Demodex mites
- Reducing bacteria and debris
- Makeup removal
- False eyelash cleaning
Lastly ... where can I purchase these for my clinic?
The wipes are currently available in the TearRestore shop for $24.99 (without tax) as a one-time purchase or $21.24 as a monthly subscription. Click here.
Note: Each package includes 30 individually wrapped, pre-moisturized towelettes.