As the holiday season approaches, it's time to think about the perfect gifts that bring joy and health to our loved ones. That said, it can be tough to pick the perfect present when the winter season brings along dry, irritated eyes. This year, consider gifting yourself—or recommending to a patient—an item that goes far beyond the ordinary. It’s the gift of relief from dry, irritated eyes!

In the spirit of the holiday season, this article explores why pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the gift that keeps giving through a restored sense of comfort and a renewed sense of well-being.

Sleigh bells ring, but what’s causing my eyes to sting?

Dry eye disease, a common ocular condition, occurs when the eyes lack sufficient moisture and lubrication¹. Let’s start with the basics; Symptoms include a persistent stinging or burning sensation, redness, and a feeling of grittiness or dryness in the eyes¹. During the winter season, these symptoms often intensify due to a few key reasons¹ you should be aware of:

1. Low Humidity Levels: During the winter months, the air tends to be drier, and indoor heating systems further reduce humidity levels. Low humidity can contribute significantly to dry eye symptoms, as the tear film that protects and lubricates the eyes depends on moisture. The lack of moisture in the air can lead to increased evaporation of tears, leaving the eyes more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
2. Increased Wind and Cold Temperatures: Winter often brings harsh weather conditions, including cold winds and lower temperatures. Exposure to these elements can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Much like the whisking away of our body’s warmth, the chilly winter wind can accelerate the evaporation of tears and contribute to the drying of the ocular surface. To make matters worse, cold temperatures can cause people to stay indoors where heating systems can further dehydrate the air, compounding the impact on tear film stability.
3. Indoor Heating Systems: Seeking refuge from the cold by staying indoors is a common (and, frankly, necessary) practice during winter, but indoor heating systems can create their own set of challenges for individuals prone to dry eye. Heating systems, such as forced air and radiators, can decrease indoor humidity levels, leading to an environment that lacks the necessary moisture to keep the eyes comfortably lubricated. This combination of external environmental factors and artificial heating can result in an increased prevalence and severity of dry eye symptoms during the winter season.

The combination of chilly outdoor air and warm indoor environments can exacerbate dry eye discomfort, making it a prevalent issue during the festive winter months¹. Understanding the impact of these environmental factors is crucial in addressing the root cause of dry eye and finding effective solutions to ensure a more comfortable and joyful holiday season.

The Gift of Pure HOCl

'Tis the season to embrace the gift of clear and comfortable vision, and a molecule with the potential to return this gift to you is hypochlorous acid—also referred to using its chemical compound acronym: HOCl.

This remarkable compound is a gentle yet potent antimicrobial agent and has proven to be a versatile elixir for dry eye relief²⁻⁵. Its unique ability to mimic the natural antimicrobial agents produced by the human body makes it a soothing solution for dry, irritated eyes²⁻⁵. In the realm of clinical applications, HOCl shines brighter than Rudolf’s nose as a promising adjunct treatment method against various eye conditions. From blepharitis⁴ to conjunctivitis⁵, HOCl's antimicrobial properties provide a safe and effective means of combating infections²⁻⁵. What makes it truly special is its ocular safety profile⁶. Since it is naturally created within in the human body’s white blood cells each day, pure topically-applied HOCl that has been manufactured also demonstrates remarkable compatibility with ocular tissues.

And this holiday season, HOCl can help ensure that the twinkle in our eyes remains bright and irritation-free during this festive season and beyond.

Why Choose Hypochlorous?

Natural Relief

• HOCL stands out for its natural approach to eye care. It mimics the body's own defence mechanism, making it a safe and effective solution for soothing dry eyes.

Gentle-Yet-Powerful

• Unlike traditional eye drops that may contain preservatives or artificial additives, HOCl offers a gentle-as-saline solution that doesn't compromise one bit on efficacy. It helps maintain the health of the ocular surface while providing relief from discomfort.

Scientifically Proven

• Backed by scientific research, HOCl has been clinically demonstrated to have a strong ocular safety profile⁶. This means you’re choosing a solution that is not only clinically effective but proven to be safe and comfortable.

Visit Your Local Eye Care Expert for the Gift of HOCl

If HOCl is on your holiday wish list, there’s still time to unwrap the gift of soothed, hydrated eyes - visit your local eye care expert!

Whether it be your ophthalmologist or optometrist, these dedicated clinicians can offer you the magic of HOCl to bring comfort to your eyes. With a twinkle in their eye (trust us…we’ve seen it!), these specialists understand the unique versatility of hypochlorous in addressing dry eye discomfort.

Plus, as a pure hypochlorous acid eyegiene spray, BHOCL O.D. is available at clinics across Canada in two convenient sizes.

So, head to your eye care sanctuary, where the spirit of the season meets the science of sight, and let the experts guide you toward the gift of clear, refreshed eyes – the most precious present for your vision this holiday.

Are you a patient curious if there’s a clinic close to you carrying BIHOCL O.D.? Reach out, and we’ll connect you!

If you are an eye care professional looking to incorporate HOCl into your treatment protocol, contact us today, and we’ll send you a complimentary sample box!