Numerous eye doctors recommend preservative-free lubricating eye drops as an effective solution to dry eye symptoms, using alternative preservatives that are more ocular surface friendly such as hyaluronic acid, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and glycerin.
BAK (benzalkonium chloride), used to ensure the sterility of multidose eye drops, may over time irritate delicate eye surfaces – especially those who suffer from sensitive eyes.
Preservatives in Food
Preservatives are added to food to prevent contamination caused by bacteria, fungus or yeast in its entirety. Without these additives, people wouldn’t have as many food options, more items may spoil quickly and many could become sick from eating contaminated products.
Natural and synthetic preservatives are used in various ways to preserve food products. Natural preservatives derived from plants, animals or microbes can be mixed directly into food products; applied topically; coated on their surfaces; or integrated into packaging material – including salt, sugar, vinegar or herbs. Some, like betanin (an extract from beet root that’s often used to colour food); some chemicals (nitrates/nitrites/nitrophenols etc) have the potential to cause allergies in certain individuals; while food manufacturers use these substances in small amounts to ensure safety while prolong shelf life.
Preservatives in Cosmetics
Cosmetic and beauty manufacturers employ preservatives in their products to prevent contamination by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, meeting regulations at safe levels. Preservatives come from both synthetic and natural organic sources – some can chelate metal ions to inhibit bacteria growth while others act against yeast, molds and fungus as broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Preservatives should only be used at small concentrations to minimize toxicities; however, long-term use can lead to microorganisms developing resistance against particular preservatives.
The most widely used cosmetic preservatives are sorbic acid and potassium sorbate, commonly referred to as “nature identical” due to being derived from natural sources. They feature broad spectrum activity against bacteria, mold and yeast while remaining compatible with organic skincare ingredients. In some instances multiple preservatives can be combined into what’s known as a “preservative system”, providing greater protection than each component individually would offer against contamination.
Preservatives in Eye Drops
Effective eye drops are vital to treating various ophthalmic conditions. Unfortunately, however, some preservatives in multi-dose eye drop bottles may actually damage your eye surface and compromise its integrity.
BAK can cause irritation on your ocular surface by interfering with delicate tear film functions such as dehydration and evaporation, leading to dry eye syndrome that our ophthalmologists often treat.
BAK can cause subclinical conjunctival inflammation characterized by cell infiltration and epithelial hyperplasia, leading to symptoms like eye drops stinging or burning when used. (Please refer to diagram).
Utilizing single-use vials and preservative-free products is one way to combat these harmful effects, though proper technique must still be practiced in order to avoid contamination, since these do not contain antimicrobial chemicals and must be thrown out after each application session – regardless of any remaining liquid remaining inside them. Specialty multi-dose bottles equipped with advanced filters and unique dispensing mechanisms make use easier without chemical preservatives; thanks to such advancements preservative-free eye drops are becoming more widely accessible than ever before!
Preservatives in Contact Lenses
Cleansing and disinfecting contact lenses regularly to avoid eye infections is crucial in keeping vision sharp and eye infections at bay. Over-the-counter options for contact lens care include multipurpose solution, hydrogen peroxide solutions and saline; hydrogen peroxide solutions offer additional advantages as they lack preservatives – they may be preferable for those who are sensitive to traditional multipurpose solutions; additionally they’re an effective means of disinfecting lenses by breaking down proteins and debris build-up on lenses’ surfaces, though specialized cases must be used first in order to neutralize hydrogen peroxide before inserting them if it risks stinging or irritation.
Reusing or “topping off” used solution in the lens case is also important to avoid as this can introduce harmful microorganisms into the eye, leading to irritation or infection. Furthermore, it is crucial that hands be thoroughly rinsed and dried prior to handling contacts so as to avoid oil or residue transference from fingers to lenses, potentially leading to irritation or infection. In addition, avoid submersion in water sources like pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes or oceans which could introduce harmful bacteria such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
