Poster Presented at the Lebanese Congress of Optometry: A Comparative Study on the Effects of Preservative Free and Preservative (0.01) Benzalkonium Chloride Artificial Tears on the Tear Film
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the loss of homeostasis of the tear film(1). It is classified into two categories, the aqueous deficiency dry eye (ADDE) and the evaporative dry eye (EDE). Each one of these can be caused by different factors including the use of preservatives which is our major discussion in this poster. Also, in this poster, the effects of preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is the most commonly used preservative in topical ophthalmic preparations, on the ocular surface are discussed and compared to those of preservative free artificial tears and artificial tears with alternative preservatives. Studies conducted in an effort to demonstrate the effects of BAK were mainly focused on two populations, DED population and glaucoma population. Both groups showed a significant decrease in ocular symptoms, conjunctival signs, superficial punctate keratitis, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) after switching them from preserved eye drops to preservative-free medications. This has led to developing alternative preservatives having same efficiency against bacteria but little or no harm to the ocular surface. Finally, as recommended by a report for the TFOS DEW, DED can be managed in two ways. In case the patient has severe dry eyes, it is preferred to go for the option of preservative free eye drops. However, patients with mild or moderate dry eyes can use preserved eye drops containing alternative preservatives other than BAK.
Reference:
- Shimazaki, Jun. “Definition and diagnostic criteria of dry eye disease: historical overview and future directions.” Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 59.14 (2018): DES7-DES12.
Contact information:
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Rola Abdel Razzak is an Optometry Student at the American University of Science and Technology
Currently going into 3rd Year of Optometry. You can reach her at: abdelrazzakrola@gmail.com
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