New Study Demonstrates Clinical Potential of Rinsada Ocular Mucosal Lavage at Academy 2026
ANAHEIM, Calif. — October 1, 2026 — Rinsada today announced the presentation of new clinical research at Academy 2026 Anaheim evaluating the use of the Rinsada ocular irrigation device in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. The study found that complete ocular mucosal lavage followed by olopatadine 0.7% produced significantly greater immediate improvement in ocular allergy symptoms compared with olopatadine 0.7% alone.
The research, “Head-to-Head Comparison of Complete Ocular Mucosal Lavage and Olopatadine 0.7% Versus Olopatadine 0.7% Alone for Ocular Allergy Symptoms,” was accepted for poster presentation at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting, being held September 30–October 3, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Rinsada is a first-in-class device designed to provide access to the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix for irrigation of the ocular surface. Rinsada is indicated for the removal of irritants from the ocular surface.
The Rinsada enables clinicians to access and lavage ocular mucosal surfaces, including the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix. These areas can be difficult to adequately access using conventional ocular irrigation techniques.
Rinsada Lavage Demonstrated Significant Improvement at 15 Minutes
The prospective, contralateral-eye study included 16 patients (32 eyes) with active allergic conjunctivitis and a history of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. In each participant, one eye underwent complete ocular mucosal lavage using Rinsada, followed five minutes later by olopatadine 0.7%. The fellow eye received olopatadine 0.7% alone.
Baseline ocular itch scores were similar between treatment and control eyes, with median scores of 2.5 and 2.0, respectively.
At just 15 minutes, eyes receiving Rinsada ocular mucosal lavage plus olopatadine demonstrated a median 2.0-point improvement in ocular itch score, while eyes receiving olopatadine alone demonstrated no median improvement.
In the Rinsada-treated eyes, symptom reduction also persisted through 21 days in a majority of patients, supporting further investigation of complete ocular mucosal lavage as an adjunctive approach for patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
“These findings demonstrate the potential importance of addressing the ocular surface mechanically in addition to pharmacologically,” said Srinivas Sai A. Kondapalli, MD, Founder. “Rinsada was developed to work with the eye’s natural anatomy, realizing the ocular surface is more than just the lids, lashes and cornea. We are recognizing the importance of the conjunctival fornix in ocular surface disease.”
A New Approach to Ocular Surface Irrigation
Topical medications such as antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizers are commonly used to address the inflammatory response associated with ocular allergies. Pharmacologic therapy, however, does not directly remove material present on the ocular surface.
Rinsada takes a fundamentally different approach.
Rather than relying solely on topical therapy, the Rinsada device is designed to provide clinicians with access to the ocular mucosal surfaces so they can physically irrigate the ocular surface and remove irritants. Its irrigating eyelid retractor allows lavage to extend to the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix, creating an approach to ocular irrigation that goes beyond the readily exposed ocular surface.
The investigators hypothesize that complete ocular mucosal lavage may reduce the ocular surface allergen load and thereby help limit the allergic cascade. The current pilot study provides clinical evidence supporting further investigation of this approach.
“Rinsada represents a new way of thinking about ocular surface irrigation,” said lead author, Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO. “Instead of asking only what medication can be added to the ocular surface, Rinsada allows clinicians to first address what may need to be removed from it.”
The study was conducted by Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO, of the Dry Eye Center of Ohio in Cincinnati, and Srinivas Sai A. Kondapalli, MD, of Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association in Pittsburgh.
Presentation at Academy 2026 Anaheim
Abstract ID: 3529916 Session: Thursday Evening Poster Session Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026 Presentation Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m. Location: Exhibit Hall, Anaheim Convention Center Meeting: Academy 2026 Anaheim Meeting Dates: September 30–October 3, 2026
About Rinsada
Rinsada is a first-in-class ocular irrigation device designed to provide access to the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix for thorough irrigation of the ocular surface. Rinsada is indicated for the removal of irritants from the ocular surface.
For more information about Rinsada, visit www.rinsada.com or email founder, srini@rinsada.com
