Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and dry eye syndrome affect 30 million Americans. Due to this staggering amount of people that need help with eyelid disease, a flood of new products have come to the market in recent years.  

We have used many eyelid hygiene products and have found a hypochlorous acid eyelid cleanser to be the most effective in relieving dry eye, blepharitis, and MGD symptoms.  

Here, I compare two popular hypochlorous acid eyelid hygiene products on their ability to clean eyelids and help soothe eyelid disorders and dryness.

Released in June 2017, Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser is one of the first over-the-counter hypochlorous acid eyelid cleansers, with comparable ingredients to Avenova below.  

This natural, non-detergent based spray is perfect for deep cleaning the skin and mucous membranes, which in turn makes it great for soothing any skin irritation you have. Clean eyelids from the use of a hypochlorous acid solution, like Heyedrate, help fight blepharitis, styes, dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, redness, swelling, burning, itching, and crustiness of the eyelid margin.  

This is currently my "go-to" product for my patients in clinic. It is very gentle and I have had great success with my patients.

• Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser's3 Ingredients: Pure Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) 0.015%, electrolyzed water (H2O), Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
• Safe for contact with skin, eyes, and for ingestion
• Shelf Life: 2 years after manufacture date

• Click here to check prices, reviews, and purchase on Amazon.

Avenova is the first prescription, FDA-approved, non-detergent based, non-antibiotic product shown to be successful in the treatment of such common eye conditions as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and associated dry eye syndrome.

I used this in my clinic for over two years and had great results. I now use the Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser, due to a lower price and the fact that it is over-the-counter and my patients can purchase online with ease, like on Amazon. Easier purchasing ability means better compliance.

Overall, Avenova is a great product and we always recommend that if your doctor has prescribed it for you and it's working, you continue using it.

• Avenova's 2 Ingredients: Neutrox (pure hypochlorous acid, 0.01%) in saline
• Safe for contact with skin, eyes, and for ingestion
• Shelf Life: 30 days after opening

FAQs About Avenova Hypochlorous Acid Eye Spray Solution

What is comparable to Avenova?

Avenova is a hypochlorous acid eyelid cleanser. There are quite a few similar cleansers on the market, although the way Avenova is manufactured makes it unique when compared to many of them. While many others use small amounts of sodium hypochlorite in their formula, a byproduct of bleach, Avenova does not. Another alternative that does not use sodium hypochlorite is Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser.

Is Avenova over the counter?

Although Avenova was available only with a prescription or through your doctor’s office for years, it is now available on Amazon in the 20mL variety. You can still get the 40mL through your doctor’s office or pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Avenova?

At this time, there is no generic for Avenova, although there are many other similar alternatives on the market.

How much does Avenova cost?

With a prescription but without insurance, 40mL Avenova will cost around $300 at your pharmacy. You can purchase the 20mL version on Amazon for around $30, although you are unable to use any insurance benefits to pay for this.

Have you tried either Avenova or Heyedrate? Let me know your experience in the comments below!

One Love,

SeeEO of Eye Love
Director of the Dry Eye Syndrome Support Community