Millions of Americans are suffering from chronic eye conditions due to thousands of tiny parasites known as Demodex mites that live on their eyelids.

“These microbes are extremely common and yet largely an unknown problem,”Kathryn Najafi-Tagol MD, Ophthalmologist, is the Medical Director and Founder of the Eye Institute of MarinCalifornia

Dr. Najafi Tagol explains that parasites enter the eyelids.

“That causes inflammation and plugs the eye glands that produce the oily layer needed to keep tears from evaporating,”She says. People suffer from dry, red eyes. They may also notice a crusty buildup on their eyelids.

Infestations of parasites can also attract other microbes like bacteria that cause inflammation and discomfort, as well as provide food for them.

“For many years, we didn’t have a good solution to this problem,” Dr. Najafi-Tagol says.

Doctors used lid scrubs containing tea tree oil to control mite populations. The mites can be irritated by the excessive amount of tea tree oils used to combat them.

Dr. Najafi Tagol states that the new approach to eye care is better for patients.

A company called NovaBay PharmaceuticalsAvenova, a product for the eyelids has been created by NBY (NYSE: MKT: NBY). Avenova is the only product that focuses on lid hygiene to contain NeutroxPure 0.01 percent solution (HOCl) of hypochlorous acids HOCl can be found in our bodies as a naturally produced substance. NovaBay’s proprietary NovaBay Neutrox kills bacteria. Dr Najafi also found Avenova to prevent mite proliferation in her patients.

“It is also very easy to use,” says Dr. Najafi-Tagol. “I show my patients how to spray it on their eyelids twice a day. It is completely safe and non-irritating, and my patients find it feels refreshing . My patients who have been suffering for years say that it has finally brought them some relief.”

Dr. Najafi Tagol claims that Avenova has been prescribed to her for over a thousand patients.

“Avenova is the first good weapon we have to fight these very unpleasant parasites,”She says. “It is a remarkable advance in eye care.”