Topical ivermectin ointment treatment of Demodex blepharitis: a 6-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of topical ivermectin 1% ointment, for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed to review electronic medical records of patients seen between January 2017 and December 2022, who had a diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis, treated with topical ivermectin 1% with at least 6 months of follow-up (Centro de Ojos Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The presence of collarettes was graded from 0 to 4. An imaging system (Keratograph) was used, to evaluate tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIKBUT), and degree of conjunctival redness. In addition, the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) test was performed. Results were compared before and after ivermectin treatment, which was performed once a day for 2 months. RESULTS: A total of 2157 patients (4314 eyes) were included. The mean age was 50.43 ± 15.3 years, and the follow-up time was 26.1 ± 8.5 months. No one discontinued treatment due to intolerance, although 14 cases (0.6 %) reported occasional discomfort. The grade of collarettes decreased with statistical significance, from 3.37 ± 0.7 to 0.1 ± 0.3 (p < 0.01), as well as conjunctival redness from 1.32 ± 0.3 to 0.94 ± 0.4 (p < 0.01) and OSDI score from 58.74 ± 17.9 to 17.1 ± 10.5 (p = 0.02). TMH and NIKBUT improved without statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Treatment with ivermectin 1% topical ointment, once daily for 2 months, was effective in reducing the presence of collarettes and in improving symptoms in patients with Demodex blepharitis.

Prevalence of Demodex spp. in patients with chronic blepharitis.

Blepharitis is a very common disease in ophthalmology, dermatology and allergy practice. It generally follows a chronic course and is frequently associated with objective and/or subjective symptoms such as epiphora, red eye, dandruff, gritty sensation, itching, burning, photophobia, and blurred vision. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalence of Demodex spp. in patients with symptoms of chronic blepharitis. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the period between 2016 and 2020. All patients with symptoms of chronic blepharitis who underwent a parasitological test of eyelashes (Rapitest) in the Dermatology Department of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires were included. Those with previously established blepharitis due to another infectious cause were excluded. We analyzed 972 patients. Sixty percent (n=585) underwent a positive Rapitest for the presence of Demodex spp. Seventy five percent (n=728) were women. There were no significant differences in the prevalence associated with sex (p=0.38). Among the patients positive for Demodex spp., 65% (n=628) were older than 60 years old. The most frequently associated symptom was itching, present in 35% (n=342). A statistically significant decrease in the number of consultations was observed during the cold months of the year (May-June-July-August). Our results show a high prevalence of Demodex spp. in patients with chronic blepharitis. As its presence reveals a direct association with age, we recommend looking for this parasite in this age group.

Definition and Diagnostic Criteria for Pediatric Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis.

Importance: Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (PBKC) is a chronic, sight-threatening inflammatory ocular surface disease. Due to the lack of unified terminology and diagnostic criteria, nonspecific symptoms and signs, and the challenge of differentiation from similar ocular surface disorders, PBKC may be frequently unrecognized or diagnosed late. Objective: To establish a consensus on the nomenclature, definition, and diagnostic criteria of PBKC. Design, Setting, and Participants: This quality improvement study used expert panel and agreement applying the non-RAND modified Delphi method and open discussions to identify unified nomenclature, definition, and definitive diagnostic criteria for PBKC. The study was conducted between September 1, 2021, and August 14, 2022. Consensus activities were carried out through electronic surveys via email and online virtual meetings. Results: Of 16 expert international panelists (pediatric ophthalmologists or cornea and external diseases specialists) chosen by specific inclusion criteria, including their contribution to scientific leadership and research in PBKC, 14 (87.5%) participated in the consensus. The name proposed was "pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis," and the agreed-on definition was "Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis is a frequently underdiagnosed, sight-threatening, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory eyelid margin disease associated with ocular surface involvement affecting children and adolescents. Its clinical spectrum includes chronic blepharitis, meibomitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal involvement ranging from superficial punctate keratitis to corneal infiltrates with vascularization and scarring." The diagnostic criteria included 1 or more suggestive symptoms accompanied by clinical signs from 3 anatomical regions: the eyelid margin, conjunctiva, and cornea. For PBKC suspect, the same criteria were included except for corneal involvement. Conclusions and Relevance: The agreements on the name, definition, and proposed diagnostic criteria of PBKC may help ophthalmologists avoid diagnostic confusion and recognize the disease early to establish adequate therapy and avoid sight-threatening complications. The diagnostic criteria rely on published evidence, analysis of simulated clinical cases, and the expert panel's clinical experience, requiring further validation with real patient data analysis.

Safety and efficacy of lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% for the treatment of blepharitis due to demodex infestation: A randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% for the treatment of blepharitis due to Demodex infestation compared to vehicle control. METHODS: In this phase II, randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial, 60 eligible participants with Demodex blepharitis were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either topical lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% (Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Irvine, CA) (study group) or the vehicle without lotilaner (control group) bilaterally twice a day for 28 days. Participants were followed at Days 7, 14, 28, 60 and 90. The efficacy parameters were change in collarette grade and Demodex density at Day 28. Safety parameters were adverse events, changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: The study group showed a statistically significant decrease in collarette grade compared to the control group beginning at Day 14 (p = 0.003) in the upper eyelid and at Day 28 (p = 0.003) in the lower eyelid. Decreases in both lids were maintained through Day 90 (p < 0.001). At Day 28, mite eradication was achieved in 66.7% and 25.9% of eyes in the study and control group (p = 0.005); at Day 90, these proportions were 68.2% and 18.5% (p = 0.001), respectively. No serious adverse events or clinically significant changes in CDVA and IOP were observed. CONCLUSION: For Demodex blepharitis, treatment with lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25% for 4 weeks is safe and effective. The improvement in collarette grade and mite density observed during the treatment period persisted for at least two months following treatment cessation.

Collarette Elimination and Demodex Mite Eradication with Topical Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution, 0.25.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, in patients with Demodex blepharitis. Methods: Eighteen adults with Demodex blepharitis, defined as >10 collarettes on the upper lid and/or mite density of ≥1.5 mites per lash (upper and lower), were treated bid for 42 days with the topical lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%. Contact lens wear, artificial eyelashes, and lid structural abnormalities were among the exclusion criteria. No other antibacterial, antiparasitic, or anti-inflammatory treatment or lid hygiene products were permitted. One eye of each patient was selected for analysis and assessed on day 7, 14, 28, and 42. Collarettes were graded at each visit, and mite density was evaluated by microscopy at each visit except day 7. Outcome measures were collarette elimination (≤2 lashes with collarettes) and mite eradication (0 mites). Drop tolerability, adverse events, visual acuity, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy were assessed. Results: Collarette elimination was achieved in 13/18 participants (72.2%) by day 42. Mean collarette grade (upper lid) declined from 3.56 ± 0.17 to 0.28 ± 0.11. Mite eradication was achieved in 14/18 participants (77.8%) by day 42. Mean mite density decreased from 2.63 ± 0.39 to 0.12 ± 0.08 mites/lash. Participants reported good tolerability. Adverse events were mild and transient and did not result in treatment discontinuation. Conclusion: Six weeks of at-home topical therapy with the lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, was effective in eliminating the most common objective signs of Demodex blepharitis, with a collarette elimination rate of 72% and mite eradication in 78% of eyes by day 42. ISRCTN registration #: 24398865.

Analysis of ocular emergencies in a reference eye center in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of ocular emergencies and patient profiles in a public health eye center in Brazil. METHODS: The medical record database of the Fundação Altino Ventura, Recife, Brazil was retrospectively analyzed and included all patients assisted at the ophthalmic emergency room between January 2017 and January 2018. Medical records with incomplete data and outpatient complaints were excluded. For records with multiple visits, only the initial visit was considered. RESULTS: In 1 year, 134,788 patients (mean age at admission: 38.7 ± 22 years; range: 0-99 years) were admitted at the emergency room of the Fundação Altino Ventura. The most frequent diagnoses were conjunctivitis (52,732 cases; 37.3%), blepharitis (7,213 cases; 5.1%), and corneal/conjunctival foreign body (6,925 cases; 4.9%). Corneal/conjunctival foreign body and ocular trauma had an eight- and two-fold higher incidence in male patients, respectively (both p<0.001). Female patients presented a two-fold higher incidence of trichiasis and blepharitis than males (p<0.001). Corneal/conjunctival foreign body and ocular trauma affected more patients in a productive age (>15 years), while corneal ulcers, blepharitis, and trichiasis affected more elderly patients. All diagnostic clusters (e.g., infectious diseases, ocular trauma, foreign bodies, retinopathies, eyelid disorders, corneal diseases, glaucomatous crisis, and neuroophthalmological diseases) were more common during the spring season (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The most common ocular emergencies in the present study were infectious diseases and foreign body. However, the incidence of ophthalmological emergencies was influenced by the age and sex of patients, as well as the time of the year.

Puntoplastia en dos cortes modificada en estenosis de puntos y canalículos lagrimales inferiores / Modified two-snip punctoplasty for stenosis of inferior lacrimal points and canaliculi

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar los resultados alcanzados con la utilización de la puntoplastia en dos cortes modificada en el manejo de los pacientes con estenosis de los puntos y canalículos lagrimales inferiores. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de una serie de casos, en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico "Comandante Manuel Fajardo", desde enero del año 2016 a diciembre de 2018. La muestra quedó conformada por 22 pacientes (38 ojos), sometidos a la técnica quirúrgica, y fue caracterizada de acuerdo con la edad, el sexo, el color de la piel, la bilateralidad, la localización anatómica de la obstrucción, los antecedentes patológicos personales, las complicaciones y la evaluación funcional final. Resultados: De un total de 22 pacientes, 17 estuvieron entre las edades de 60 y 79 años, el 72,7 por ciento del sexo femenino y el 86,4 por ciento con piel de color blanco. La blefaritis fue el principal antecedente oftalmológico encontrado (18,2 por ciento), la obstrucción fue bilateral en el 72,7 por ciento de los casos, y fundamentalmente a nivel del punto lagrimal (16 casos). El 86,8 por ciento no mostró complicaciones posoperatorias; 3 casos presentaron extrusión del tutor de silicona, los cuales estuvieron en relación con el fallo en el resultado final. En el 92,1 por ciento se constató el éxito de la cirugía. Conclusiones: La estenosis de la vía lagrimal se produce principalmente en mujeres, de raza blanca, mayores de 60 años y sin antecedentes patológicos referidos. La afectación es más frecuente a nivel del punto lagrimal. Con la técnica quirúrgica se logra un resultado excelente y con complicaciones mínimas(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the results achieved by modified two-snip punctoplasty in the management of patients with stenosis of inferior lacrimal points and canaliculi. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted of a case series at Comandante Manuel Fajardo Clinical Surgical University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. The sample was 22 patients (38 eyes) undergoing the surgical technique. The variables studied were age, sex, skin color, bilaterality, anatomical location of the obstruction, personal pathological antecedents, complications and final functional evaluation. Results: Of the total 22 patients, 17 were in the 60-79 years age group, 72.7 percent were female and 86.4 percent were white. Blepharitis was the main ophthalmological antecedent (18.2 percent). Obstruction was bilateral in 72.7 percent of the cases, fundamentally at the lacrimal punctum (16 cases). 86.8 percent did not have any postoperative complication, whereas 3 presented extrusion of the silicone tutor. These were related to failure in the final result. Surgery was successful in 92.1 percent of the cases. Conclusions: Lacrimal duct stenosis prevails in white skin women aged over 60 years without reported pathological antecedents. The disorder is more common at the lacrimal punctum. The surgical technique used achieves excellent results with minimum complications(AU)

Blefarite: epidemiologia, etiologia, apresentações clínicas, tratamento e evolução de nossos pacientes / Blepharitis: epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, treatment and evolution of our patients

Resumo Objetivo: A blefarite é uma das condições mais comumente encontradas na prática oftalmológica e se constitui em uma causa frequente de irritação e desconforto ocular. Por ser uma doença de difícil tratamento, os autores buscaram compreender melhor a epidemiologia, etiologia, apresentações clínicas, tratamento e evolução de seus pacientes, visando maior sucesso terapêutico. Métodos: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente e transversalmente o prontuário de 124 pacientes do Centro de Oftalmologia Tadeu Cvintal, os quais apresentavam blefarite e foram submetidos à classificação de gravidade e coleta de secreções palpebrais para cultura bacteriana e antibiograma. Resultados: A media da idade dos pacientes foi de 67,4 anos, o sexo feminino foi responsável por 70 (56,4%) casos e o masculino por 54 (43,5%). Quanto à gravidade da doença, constatou-se 71 casos de blefarite leve (56,8%), 52 (41,6%) com intensidade moderada e 2 (1,6%) casos graves. Avaliando o seguimento do tratamento da doença, foi observado que 103 (82,4%) pacientes não retornaram para avaliar o resultado do tratamento e apenas 22 (17,6%) retornaram. Em relação às culturas realizadas, 82 (66,1%) não apresentaram crescimento microbiano. Dentre as 42 (33,8%) amostras positivas, os Staphylococcus coagulase negativo foram os mais prevalentes, sobretudo os Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsável por 35 (83,3%) delas. Quanto à sensibilidade aos antibióticos, os agentes de nossa amostra demonstraram maior resistência à Penicilina, Eritromicina e Ciprofloxacino e 100% de sensibilidade à Linezolida, Vancomicina e Daptomicina. Conclusão: Conhecendo melhor as características epidemiológicas da blefarite e a sensibilidade antimicrobiana das bactérias envolvidas, é possível oferecer tratamentos mais eficazes.

Abstract Objective: Blepharitis is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in ophthalmic practice and is a frequent cause of eye irritation and discomfort. Being a difficult to treat disease, the authors sought to better understand the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, treatment and evolution of their patients, aiming at greater therapeutic success. Methods: The medical records of 124 patients of Centro de Oftalmologia Tadeu Cvintal who had blepharitis were retrospectively and cross-sectionally evaluated and underwent severity classification and collection of eyelid secretions for bacterial culture and antibiogram. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.4 years, females accounted for 70 (56.4%) cases and males for 54 (43.5%). Regarding the severity of the disease, there were 71 cases of mild blepharitis (56.8%), 52 (41.6%) with moderate intensity and 2 (1.6%) severe cases. Evaluating the follow-up of treatment of the disease, it was observed that 103 (82.4%) patients did not return to evaluate the treatment outcome and only 22 (17.6%) returned. In respect of the cultures performed, 82 (66.1%) did not show microbial growth. Among the 42 (33.8%) positive samples, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsible for 35 (83.3%) of them. As for antibiotic sensitivity, the agents in our sample showed greater resistance to Penicillin, Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin and 100% sensitivity to Linezolid, Vancomycin and Daptomycin. Conclusion: By better understanding the epidemiological characteristics of blepharitis and the antimicrobial sensitivity of the bacteria involved, it is possible to offer more effective treatments.

Ocular demodicosis: A review. / Demodicosis ocular: una revisión.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are ectoparasites that inhabit the skin of humans. They have been related to alterations in the ocular surface, such as, dysfunction of Meibomian glands, blepharitis, chalazion, etc. Ocular demodicosis is characterised by the pathognomonic presence of cylindrical dandruff at the base of the eyelashes, and various symptoms including, among others, itching, lacrimation, and hyperaemia. A bibliographic review was carried out on the role of Demodex spp. in ocular disease, including publications made by the scientific society between 2005 and 2018. A significant relationship was found between prevalence and incidence of Demodex spp. in eye diseases. D. folliculorum is usually found more frequently than D. brevis in ocular infestation, with the prevalence or incidence of infestation by both species increasing with the age of the patient. In patients with blepharitis or other infectious diseases of the ocular surface, unresolved with antibacterial treatment, the search for Demodex spp. should be considered.

Is it always blepharitis? Urbach-Wiethe syndrome (lipoid proteinosis) / É sempre blefarite? Síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe (proteinose lipóide)

ABSTRACT A 12-year-old girl presented with recurrent crusty debris and dandruff at the base of both eyelashes despite having completed different medical treatments. She had had a hoarse voice since her early childhood. Upon anterior segment examination of the eyes, we found yellow-white, bead-like papules on the margins of the eyelids. An otolaryngologist detected multiple nodules on the vocal cords and buccal mucosa. Ultrasonography revealed salivary stones in the main parotid ducts. And a dermatological examination revealed thickened skin lesions on the elbows and knees with a biopsy showing histopathological findings of lipoid proteinosis. We diagnosed the patients as having Urbach-Wiethe syndrome or lipoid proteinosis, a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder with variable manifestations vary that difficult the diagnosis. The ocular manifestations are not well known among ophthalmologists, but the typical lid lesions are pathognomonic and ophthalmologists should be aware of this presentation to identify patients with Urbach-Wiethe syndrome.

RESUMO Uma menina de 12 anos apresentava restos crostosos e caspa recorrente na base de ambos os cílios, apesar de ter completado diferentes tratamentos médicos. Ela tinha uma voz rouca desde a infância. No exame do segmento anterior dos olhos, encontramos pápulas amarelo-esbranquiçadas nas margens das pálpebras. Um otorrinolaringologista detectou múltiplos nódulos nas cordas vocais e na mucosa bucal. A ultrassonografia revelou cálculos salivares nos principais ductos parotídeos. Um exame dermatológico revelou lesões cutâneas espessas nos cotovelos e joelhos com uma biópsia mostrando os achados histopatológicos de proteinose lipoide. Diagnosticamos os pacientes da síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe ou proteinose lipoide, um distúrbio multissistêmico autossômico recessivo raro, com manifestações variáveis, que dificultam o diagnóstico. Manifestações oculares não são bem conhecidas entre oftalmologistas, mas as lesões típicas da pálpebra são patognomônicas e os oftalmologistas devem estar atentos a essa apresentação para identificar pacientes com síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe.

Is it always blepharitis? Urbach-Wiethe syndrome (lipoid proteinosis).

A 12-year-old girl presented with recurrent crusty debris and dandruff at the base of both eyelashes despite having completed different medical treatments. She had had a hoarse voice since her early childhood. Upon anterior segment examination of the eyes, we found yellow-white, bead-like papules on the margins of the eyelids. An otolaryngologist detected multiple nodules on the vocal cords and buccal mucosa. Ultrasonography revealed salivary stones in the main parotid ducts. And a dermatological examination revealed thickened skin lesions on the elbows and knees with a biopsy showing histopathological findings of lipoid proteinosis. We diagnosed the patients as having Urbach-Wiethe syndrome or lipoid proteinosis, a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder with variable manifestations vary that difficult the diagnosis. The ocular manifestations are not well known among ophthalmologists, but the typical lid lesions are pathognomonic and ophthalmologists should be aware of this presentation to identify patients with Urbach-Wiethe syndrome.

Ácaros del género Demodex: ¿parásitos colonizadores de personas sanas o asociados a patología ocular? / Demodex genus: colonizing parasites of healthy people or mites associated with ocular pathology?

Las especies Demodex folliculorum y Demodexbrevis, responsables de la demodicosis humana, afectan la piel y en ocasiones están vinculadas con afecciones oculares. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer si existe asociación significativa entre la presencia del ácaro y de patologías palpebrales, y el papel de factores como la edad y el sexo de los pacientes. Se analizaron las pestanas de un conjunto de pacientes sintomáticos y asintomáticos (n = 72) de entre 9 y 82 años. El 53% de los pacientes fueron positivos para la presencia del ácaro Demodex. De ellos, el 66% manifestó síntomas o patologías oculares, dentro de las cuales la blefaritis y el ojo seco resultaron prevalentes. Se observaron asociaciones significativas tanto entre la presencia de este ácaro y una edad mayor de 60 años (p < 0,001), como entre la presencia del ácaro y ojo seco o blefaritis o ambos (p <0,001). Consideramos necesaria la búsqueda de Demodex sp. en pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco o blefaritis, especialmente durante la inmunosenescencia, a fin de instaurar tratamientos antiparasitarios específicos.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are mites that are responsible for human demodicosis affecting skin and frequently linked to ocular diseasess. The aim of this work was to determine the association between Demodex sp. and eyelid and eyelash diseases and to establish the predisposing factors for acquiring this parasitic disease. Eyelashes from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (n = 72) between 9 and 82 years old were analyzed, where 53% were positive for Demodex sp., of which 66% manifested ocular symptoms and pathologies, blepharitis and dry eye being prevalent. Significant correlations between Demodex and patients over 60 years of age (p <0.001) and between Demodex sp. and dry eye patients / blepharitis (p <0.001) were observed. We consider that it is necessary to search for Demodex sp. especially in those patients suffering from dry eye and blepharitis and/or during immunosenescence in order to implement specific antiparasitic treatments.

[Demodex genus: colonizing parasites of healthy people or mites associated with ocular pathology?] / Ácaros del género Demodex: ¿parásitos colonizadores de personas sanas o asociados a patología ocular?

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are mites that are responsible for human demodicosis affecting skin and frequently linked to ocular diseasess. The aim of this work was to determine the association between Demodex sp. and eyelid and eyelash diseases and to establish the predisposing factors for acquiring this parasitic disease. Eyelashes from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (n=72) between 9 and 82 years old were analyzed, where 53% were positive for Demodex sp., of which 66% manifested ocular symptoms and pathologies, blepharitis and dry eye being prevalent. Significant correlations between Demodex and patients over 60 years of age (p<0.001) and between Demodex sp. and dry eye patients / blepharitis (p<0.001) were observed. We consider that it is necessary to search for Demodex sp. especially in those patients suffering from dry eye and blepharitis and/or during immunosenescence in order to implement specific antiparasitic treatments.

In Vitro Evaluation of a Hypochlorous Acid Hygiene Solution on Established Biofilms.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a commercial formulation of hypochlorous acid hygiene solution (0.01%), Avenova, can destroy existing biofilms formed by ocular clinical bacterial isolates, including blepharitis isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, and a keratitis isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: Biofilms grown in bacterial growth media on disposable contact lens cases were challenged with hypochlorous acid hygiene solution. At various time points, surviving bacteria were quantified by serial dilution and colony counts. Staphylococcus aureus biofilms formed on glass were challenged using a hypochlorous acid hygiene solution and imaged using vital staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Bactericidal activity (≥3 Log10; 99.9%) was observed for all tested bacterial species after a 30-min exposure. Staphylococcus aureus biofilms had a bactericidal level of killing by 10 min (P<0.01), Staphylococcus capitis by 5 min (P<0.001), Staphylococcus epidermidis by 30 min (P<0.001), and P. aeruginosa by 10 min (P<0.01). Confocal microscopy and crystal violet staining analysis of bacterial biofilms treated with hypochlorous acid solution both demonstrated that biofilm bacteria were readily killed, but biofilm structure was largely maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Hypochlorous acid (0.01%) hygiene solution was able to achieve bactericidal levels of killing of bacteria in biofilms but did not disrupt biofilm structures. Susceptibility of tested staphylococcal blepharitis isolates varied by species, with S. capitis being the most susceptible and S. epidermidis being the least susceptible.