New Study Demonstrates Potential of Rinsada to Improve Tear Film Lipid Layer Quality in Dry Eye Patients
ANAHEIM, Calif. — October 2, 2026 — Rinsada today announced new clinical observations suggesting that complete ocular lavage performed with the Rinsada irrigating eyelid retractor may have an immediate effect on tear film lipid layer quality in patients with dry eye disease.
The findings will be presented at Academy 2026 Anaheim, the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, taking place September 30–October 3, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The poster, “Preliminary Observations of Lipid Layer Changes Following Complete Ocular Lavage via Irrigating Eyelid Retractor in Dry Eye Patients: A Case Series,” reports early changes in the tear film lipid layer following complete ocular lavage, as visualized using interferometry imaging.
The research was conducted by Andrew Zagelbaum, OD.
“Dry eye is a multifactorial disease, and the tear film is an incredibly dynamic environment,” said Andrew Zagelbaum, OD. “What was particularly interesting in these cases was that we could visualize changes in the lipid layer immediately following Rinsada. While these are preliminary observations, they raise important questions about how thoroughly irrigating the ocular surface may influence tear film behavior and warrant further controlled investigation.”
Rinsada Brings Complete Ocular Lavage to Previously Difficult-to-Access Surfaces
Rinsada is a first-in-class ocular irrigation 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 device incorporates a purpose-designed irrigating eyelid retractor that specifically targets the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix.
“Rinsada was created around a very simple idea: before we add something to the ocular surface, there may be value in having a better way to remove what is already there,” said founder, Srinivas Sai A. Kondapalli, MD. “Again we see that by directly addressing the entire ocular surface, we are able to improve ocular surface disease. These early observations are particularly intriguing because they suggest that the mechanical effects of lavage may influence the tear film in ways that deserve much deeper study.”
Immediate Tear Film Changes Observed Following Complete Ocular Lavage
The case series evaluated two patients with persistent ocular surface symptoms and histories that included meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular rosacea and Demodex blepharitis. Both had previously undergone multiple therapies for their ocular surface conditions.
Each patient underwent complete ocular lavage using the irrigating eyelid retractor. Interferometry imaging was performed to evaluate the tear film lipid layer before and after the procedure.
Following complete ocular lavage, investigators observed:
• Increased swirl formation, with more dynamic lipid-layer swirl patterns during blinking;
• Enhanced coloration, including more pronounced bronze, purple and rainbow color expression on interferometry; and
Reduced conjunctival injection.
The investigators concluded that complete ocular lavage via the irrigating eyelid retractor may have an immediate effect on tear film lipid layer quality.
They hypothesize that the observed changes may reflect improved tear film distribution related to the mechanical effects of lavage and the reduction of inflammatory mediators.
The findings also align with previously presented observations of improvements in noninvasive tear breakup time following complete ocular lavage. Investigators emphasized that additional data collection and controlled studies are needed to confirm the observations and better understand the mechanisms involved.
Building the Clinical Evidence for Complete Ocular Lavage
The new findings add to an emerging body of clinical research examining complete ocular mucosal lavage using Rinsada.
At Academy 2026 Anaheim, separate research will also be presented evaluating complete ocular mucosal lavage in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. In that prospective contralateral-eye study, lavage followed by olopatadine 0.7% produced significantly greater immediate symptomatic improvement than olopatadine alone.
Together, the research reflects a growing scientific interest in the potential effects of more complete ocular surface lavage and in the role of the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix in ocular surface management.
Rinsada believes these investigations represent an important step toward better understanding what occurs when clinicians are able to access and thoroughly irrigate ocular mucosal surfaces that historically have been difficult to reach.
Academy 2026 Anaheim Presentation
Abstract ID: 3529887 Title: Preliminary Observations of Lipid Layer Changes Following Complete Ocular Lavage via Irrigating Eyelid Retractor in Dry Eye Patients: A Case Series Authors: Andrew Zagelbaum, OD; Srinivas Sai A. Kondapalli, MD Session: Scientific Programs/Residents Poster Session Date: Friday, October 2, 2026 Presentation Time: 1:00–3:00 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, visit www.rinsada.com or contact srini@rinsada.com
