First Eye Ointment Containing Retinol Palmitate Finally Available to Canadians

Say good-bye to discomfort upon opening the eyes in the morning Candorvision announces the launch of a new treatment option that can fundamentally change the management of dry eye disease.   OcunoxTM is the first and only eye ointment containing vitamin A, a natural component of the tear film. Improving the tear film and protecting the surface of the eye at night, Ocunox is entirely free of preservatives and phosphates. Yet thanks to its unique formulation, Ocunox is the only eye ointment recommended for use six months after opening. Other products should not be used for more than 30 days after opening.   "Ocunox is unique and we are very proud to be launching our third new product in Canada," says Dr. Frank Heidemann, president and CEO, Candorvision. "Ocunox is particularly soft and smooth and makes a real difference. As a natural component of the tear film, vitamin A supports very good tolerance of the ointment and helps ensure that it mixes well with available tears to relieve the burning sensation of dry or tired eyes. Combined with HyloTM or Hylo GelTM, which are used for lubrication during the day, when clear vision is important, Ocunox is ideal for protection of the cornea at night, when no tears are produced while sleeping."   "Dry eye disease can be very painful and can get worse if not treated properly. It affects an ever-growing number of Canadians, so we are always looking for treatment options that will be well-tolerated, convenient and effective," comments Dr. Johanna Choremis, cornea and anterior segment specialist, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont and assistant clinical professor at McGill and Université de Montréal.   "Lack of vitamin A is associated with keratinisation and dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva. Hylo and Ocunox combine features that eyecare specialists and patients have sought for a long time." There are many triggers for dry-eye disease such as air conditioning, computer work, hormone changes, certain medications, environmental factors, eye surgery like Lasik or cataract surgery and eye injuries.   Artificial tears with preservatives and phosphates are associated with undesirable effects including allergies, damage to corneal cells and damage to contact lenses.