Detrimental effect of preservatives in eyedrops: implications for the treatment of glaucoma.
Antiglaucoma medications are often associated with ocular adverse reactions such as dry eye, and burning or stinging sensations. These undesirable effects may lead to treatment discontinuation and reduced quality of life in patients with glaucoma. Antiglaucoma medications usually contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative. Animal studies, in vitro studies and in vivo experiments have demonstrated various adverse effects of BAK. Clinical studies have also shown an increased incidence of adverse events with BAK and have demonstrated that the withdrawal of preservatives reduces these effects. Collectively, these data suggest that preservative-free antiglaucoma treatments have clinically relevant benefits for patients.
Baudouin
Christophe
C
Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, Paris, France. baudouin@quinze-vingts.fr
D000818:Animals; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011788:Quality of Life
D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical