If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to preservative-free eye drops as these are less likely to irritate the delicate lens surface and can be used more frequently than preserved options.
Preservative-free drops avoid the harmful chemical preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which has the potential to harm eyes over time. They also come in multidose bottles for greater convenience.
Preservative-free options are safer for long-term use
If you use eye drops regularly for medical conditions like glaucoma or allergies, switching to preservative-free alternatives should be given serious consideration. Most eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which can be hard on your eyes. Recently however, manufacturers have begun offering BAK-free formulations as generic formulations.
Preservatives in multidose bottles may be essential to preventing bacterial contamination of medication; however, there are numerous alternatives to BAK that are safer for the eye surface and potentially even more effective than BAK.
One way to sidestep preservatives is by visiting a compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies specialize in creating custom medications such as combination glaucoma drops. Unfortunately, they may not always be covered by insurance plans.
Lubricants now come in unit dose packaging that does away with preservatives; however, this medication tends to be more costly and difficult to find than its multidose counterparts.
They are more effective in patients with severe dry eye disease
Preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), used to keep eye drops sterile and extend shelf life, can irritate dry eye patients and shorten shelf life considerably. Therefore, for extended use it’s wiser to opt for eye drops without preservatives like BAK.
Studies on the ocular effects of preserved medications tend to focus on those suffering from glaucoma; however, similar findings should apply for those living with DED. Unfortunately for them though, many glaucoma patients require chronic therapy which exposes them for extended periods to BAK’s proinflammatory and cytotoxic properties.
Preservative-free eye drops provide an essential supplement and stabilization of natural tear film by hydrating and protecting ocular surfaces from friction when blinking, minimizing evaporative loss, and providing a protective barrier that minimizes it further. Modern preservative-free formulas typically feature high molecular weight lubricants such as hyaluronic acid, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and glycerin as osmoprotectants to preserve the natural water balance on ocular surfaces ensuring consistent comfort and clarity – less irritating to contact lens wearers especially those wearing scleral lenses than their predecessors!
They are less likely to irritate contact lenses
Preservatives in eye drops are designed to combat bacteria and fungus growth, but they may cause contact lens irritation. Luckily, there are other options for lubricating your eyes without BAK, such as preservative-free medications that are more cost effective and available generic formulations that may even be covered by health insurance plans and flexible savings accounts.
Lubricating drops that don’t contain preservatives often utilize compounds like hyaluronic acid, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and glycerin to mimic the properties of natural tears and provide lasting comfort to ocular surfaces. These ingredients attract water molecules which help balance out moisture balance for lasting comfort on ocular surfaces.
As well as using lubricating drops, be sure to regularly clean and disinfect your lenses in order to reduce contamination which is the primary source of eye infections among contact lens wearers. Also remember to wash your hands prior to handling lenses to reduce contact with bacteria or irritating materials that could result in discomfort, infection or blindness if improper care is provided.
They are easier to find
Food manufacturers add additives to foods for various reasons, including to combat spoilage, discoloration, loss of flavor, mold growth and bacterial proliferation. While these additives have earned themselves an unfavorable reputation among some individuals, they do play an integral role in protecting our food supply from harmful organisms such as botulism.
As it’s essential to stay healthy, knowing which foods contain preservatives and how to avoid them is of vital importance. To start off, look for fresh fruits and vegetables in the produce section at your grocery store; fresh-pressed juice, organic kombucha and meat from the deli counter/butcher can all provide valuable health benefits. Try not to buy products containing preservatives such as fruit-flavored yogurts and sliced cheese as these contain hidden preservatives or additives that should be avoided.
Make sure to read the ingredient lists on all products, and keep a list of preservative-free items that you need and purchase on a regular basis. In addition, try cooking homemade meals and creating salad dressings and sauces yourself from scratch. There are even many glaucoma medications which do not contain BAK such as timolol, dorzolamide-timolol or travoprost.
