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

• Avenova is available by prescription only.  Check prices here.

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