Dr. Cory Lappin presents at AAOPT 2025: Rinsada in toxic conjunctivitis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2025

Innovative Approach Resolves Chronic Toxic Conjunctivitis Without Altering Medical Therapy

Case Report Presented at American Academy of Optometry Demonstrates Role of Irrigating Eyelid Retractor in Managing Preservative-Induced Ocular Surface Disease

[Wildwood, PA] — A novel case report presented by Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO outlines the successful resolution of toxic conjunctivitis in a complex ocular surface disease patient using a complete ocular surface lavage facilitated by an irrigating eyelid retractor (Rinsada™, Wildwood, PA)—offering a promising new approach for patients unable to discontinue preservative-containing eye drops.

Titled “Management of Toxic Conjunctivitis with Complete Ocular Surface Lavage Facilitated by Irrigating Eyelid Retractor,” the case highlights the growing concern of benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-induced toxicity, a condition often resistant to conventional management when medication discontinuation is not possible.

“This case presents an alternative to the conventional reliance on medication cessation for managing toxic conjunctivitis and offers an effective in-office treatment option for patients with unavoidable exposure to topical preservatives,” said Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO of the Dry Eye Center of Ohio.

Case Overview:

A 70-year-old male with a long-standing history of chronic posterior uveitis, corneal endothelial dysfunction, and multiple ocular surgeries presented with worsening ocular pain and conjunctival inflammation, despite stable vision and ongoing treatment with BAK-preserved eye drops—including difluprednate, bromfenac, and Muro 128.

Clinical examination revealed classic signs of toxic conjunctivitis, including conjunctival injection, follicles, chemosis, and reduced tear breakup time, in the presence of an active but necessary topical medication regimen.

Given the inability to discontinue offending medications due to underlying pathology, clinicians opted to perform a complete ocular surface lavage using an irrigating eyelid retractor, allowing deep mechanical flushing of the ocular surface and fornices.

Sustained Resolution Without Therapy Changes

At two-month follow-up, the patient reported complete pain resolution and discontinued all oral pain medications. Slit lamp examination showed:

• Improved tear film quality

• Resolution of conjunctival chemosis and follicles

• Reduced injection and periocular erythema

Notably, these improvements were sustained at five months, even as the patient remained on the

same preserved topical medications.

Clinical Significance

This case underscores the potential of in-office ocular surface lavage using an irrigating eyelid retractor

as a minimally invasive, effective treatment for toxic conjunctivitis in medically dependent patients.

The procedure may:

• Improve ocular comfort

• Resolve inflammatory signs

• Reduce reliance on systemic pain control

—without requiring adjustments to essential therapy.

“In patients with limited treatment flexibility due to chronic ocular disease, this approach may fill a

critical gap in toxic conjunctivitis management,” said Dr. Lappin.

About Rinsada

Rinsada is a sterile, single-use, FDA-cleared Class I irrigating eyelid retractor indicated for the removal of

ocular surface irritants. Headquartered in Wildwood, Pennsylvania, Rinsada is currently in use at more

than 250 eyecare practices across the United States and is also available through the U.S. Federal Fee

Schedule Contract.

Media Contact

Joe Boyd

Rinsada Strategic Advisor

joe.boyd@rinsada.com

214.912.7664

Full information can be found here.