AFT’s Peter Stewart at CCLSNZ 2021

Given the lack of conferences and seminars due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Peter Stewart from AFT Pharmaceuticals unveiled a host of new products at the CCLSNZ meeting. First up was the timely launch of Crystawash Extend, a gentle, odourless, water-based hand sanitiser that contains no harsh chemicals, doesn’t feel sticky and provides germ-free protection for up to 24 hours, said Stewart. Theproduct combines an active antimicrobial agent with a special coating agent enabling it to bond to the skin for an extended period of time. “It’s amazing stuff. It creates an invisible, waterproof protective layer that kills 99.99% of germs on contact and keeps on killing them for up to 24 hours,” said Stewart, referring to AFT’s data.

The other release was a much-anticipated new twist on the company’s popular NovaTears preservative-free eye lubricant and tear film stabiliser product for dry eye sufferers, which now includes an omega-3 version. Combining the delivery agent perfluorohexyloctane with highly contentrated omega-3 fatty acids derived from algae, NovaTears & Omega-3 responds to research suggesting the deficiencies of omega-3 tear film lipids may be a driver for chronic ocular surface inflammation in dry eye disease. “NovaTears is clinically proven to be a lipid layer stabiliser. By the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, this effect can be further enhanced,” said the company.

Also on show and designed to combat the symptoms of dry eye disease and blepharitis were the Opti-Soothe Moist Heat Mask and preservative-free eyelid wipes. The first delivers 10 minutes of controlled moist heat after 25 seconds in the microwave, loosening the oils in the meibomian glands. It’s reusable and washable and can also be used as a cold eye therapy for puffy eyes and contact lens irritation, said Stewart. The second contains tea tree oil, for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, hyaluronic acid as a moisturiser, and chamomile and aloe vera for additional soothing properties. “They should be used in combination, followed by a preservative-free eye lubricant such as NovaTears,” said Stewart.