Many eye drops contain preservatives to avoid microbial contamination of their solutions, but BAK preservatives may irritate certain patients’ eyes and, with extended use, damage their ocular surface.
BAK-free glaucoma medications are increasingly available. Your doctor can assist in securing prior authorization or appealing your insurance provider for these products.
Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Many eye drops contain preservatives such as BAK, but a new alternative has entered the market: preservative-free lubricating eye drops. These innovative formulas deliver all of the same hydrating and lubricating benefits found in their BAK counterparts without potentially irritating your eyes.
Lacking preservatives also enhances the effectiveness of drops. Studies have demonstrated that preserved lubricants may lose efficacy over time due to bacteria growth; the risk of contamination increases substantially with repeated applications (for instance if your multidose bottle comes into contact with pathogens between uses).
We are pleased to offer the same outstanding dry eye symptom relief found in our SYSTANE ULTRA products in preservative-free versions, both multidose bottles and single use vials (see photo). These new formulations provide soothing gel-like moisture for the surface of the eye, offering relief of symptoms quickly.
Antibiotic Eye Drops
Antibiotic eye drops and ointments are used to treat bacterial eye infections, typically resulting in pain, yellow-green discharge and stickiness of the eyes. Antibiotic drops and ointments help reduce inflammation, clear the infection quickly, and avoid complications such as corneal ulcer (keratitis).
Antibiotics most frequently prescribed include gentamicin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin – medications known for being very effective against bacterial conjunctivitis. Combinations may often be prescribed to address specific infections more effectively.
These medications won’t treat an eye infection caused by viruses (viral conjunctivitis) or allergic reactions due to environmental factors like pollen, pet dander and chemicals found in cosmetics and cleaning products; instead they require special eye drops or treatments tailored specifically for their condition.
Studies have revealed that antibiotic eye drops may alter the nasal microbiome and conjunctiva microbiome, and be linked to respiratory conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, asthma and bronchitis.
Eye Infections
Eye infections are caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi and may affect any part of the outer eye and conjunctiva. Their symptoms range from mild to severe and can impact any part of the outer eye and conjunctiva. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is the most prevalent infection type, typically caused by viruses; although bacteria could also play a part. Fungal keratitis can develop from wearing contact lenses too long without adequate cleaning and disinfection practices being met properly.
Fungal infections typically require laboratory tests such as culture or polymerase chain reaction and treatment with antifungal medication, with Candida fungus often being the source. Other fungi may cause serious and life-threatening conditions like endophthalmitis – in which an object penetrates the cornea from another source of infection that spreads to it – this rare occurrence warranting immediate medical care should you experience it.
Eye Care Routine
Eye health should be prioritized through good self care habits. These may include things such as washing hands frequently and gently removing makeup before sleeping, not sharing eye drops with anyone, and making sure clean contacts are kept in fresh solutions.
Sleep and regular physical exercise are both key elements in overall wellness. A diet rich in leafy greens, fish and other nourishing foods also protects vision health.
If you have concerns about your eye health, do not hesitate to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. They can identify and treat any eye conditions before they worsen. For dry eyes, lubricating eye drops such as REFRESH OPTIVE contain two active ingredients to relieve symptoms of irritation and discomfort – it is safe for multiple uses per day and even post surgery use; available both individually as well as multi-use bottles from numerous eye specialists.
