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. 2012 Nov;109(11):1064-70.
doi: 10.1007/s00347-012-2638-4.

[Preservatives in ophthalmology]

[Article in German]
E M Messmer  1
Affiliations

[Preservatives in ophthalmology]

[Article in German]
E M Messmer. Ophthalmologe. 2012 Nov.

Abstract

Preservatives are a legal requirement for eye drops in multidose containers. Moreover, they are necessary for stabilization and intraocular penetration for a number of ophthalmic preparations. Most preservatives act in a relatively unspecific manner as detergents or by oxidative mechanisms and thereby cause side effects at the ocular surface. They may also affect the lens, trabecular meshwork and the retina. Benzalkonium chloride is the most commonly used preservative in ophthalmology and is more toxic than other or newer preservatives, such as polyquaternium-1 (Polyquad), sodium perborate, oxychloro-complex (Purite®) and SofZia. Preservative-free topical medication is highly recommended for patients with ocular surface disease, frequent eye drop administration, proven allergy to preservatives and contact lens wear.

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