An ­Inflammation-Fighting Botanical Blend for Lid Margin Disease

A new product that works differently than other lid hygiene products to manage eyelid margin disease and blepharitis is now available. The botanical-based formulation of Zocular is designed to alleviate the discomfort, burning, itching, redness, watering, and other eye problems associated with dry eye.

How it Works
What differentiates Zocular from some of the other lid scrubs and wipes on the market is the unique active ingredient. Refined extract of abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known as okra, is a potent antiinflammatory agent. It is also interesting to note that the chemical structure and properties of okra are similar to the mucin layer of the tear film, which is composed of a combination of glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides. Zocular also contains raspberry seed oil, which acts as a carrier agent to increase both the duration of action and penetration of Zocular. This combination is extremely effective at reducing inflammation, thereby improving the meibomian gland and lid margin disease. Additionally, Zocular can kill demodex without the stinging or burning associated with tea tree oil. 

The Zocular formulation is available in two versions—the ZocuFoam Eyelid Cleanser and Moisturizer and ZocuWipe. ZocuFoam is a foaming pump bottle containing 50mL of liquid while the ZocuWipes are individually wrapped, premoistened towelettes. The ZocuWipe towelettes are very easy to use and perfect for putting in a purse or in a pocket, so I tend to recommend this version.

Instructing Patients
The patients are told to rub the formulation into their lash line for at least 10 seconds and allow it to dry on the lids. The wiping motion mechanically removes oily residue, debris, and bacteria. The ZocuWipe solution actually foams up a little after application. The foam dissipates very quickly and should not be washed off or wiped with a towel. The Zocular products should be used once a day, preferably just before bedtime. My patients usually use one towelette per application and apply one side of the cloth to each eye.