Many people don’t consider the contents of their eye drops. They simply grab a bottle and use it when their eyes feel dry or feel irritated. But the regular eye drops contain preservatives that keep the liquid from getting contaminated after opening. This may sound beneficial, but the use of these drops over time can have negative consequences to your eye health. Preservative free eye drops are a purer, milder alternative for those who make frequent use of eye drops. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why some eye drops are better for people to use every day, and who should use them.
What are Preservative Free Eye Drops?
They are specially formulated eye care solutions, which do not contain preservative compounds, artificial compounds used to preserve the shelf life of the product. Rather, they employ advanced packaging systems or single-use containers to ensure the product’s safety and effectiveness.
The eye drops are used by those people who have problems like sensitive eyes, because these drops are soothing and cleaner to use.
What Preservatives in Eye Drops Do to Your Eyes?
Benzalkonium Chloride or BKC free eye drops, is the most common preservative found in eye drops. This is suitable for intermittent use, but the preservative will start gathering on the eye surface if it is used several times a day.
This can lead to issues such as:
- Irritation of eye surface – Repeated use of BKC causes eye surface irritation.
- Drying up over time – These drying drops that relieve dryness can actually make it difficult if used for long periods of time.
- Damage to cells on the outside of the cornea – Preservatives can damage the cells on the outside of the cornea of the eye.
- Allergic reactions – A small number of people get an allergy to the preservative in the eye drops that create itching, watering or discomfort from eye drop use.
Who Benefits the Most from these Drops?
Not everyone has to make the change now. These eye drops make a significant difference for certain groups of people:
Those who use dry eye drops four times a day or more are at risk with the preservatives. The more often the eye drops are used, the more preservative accumulates on the surface of the eyes. Consequently, the risk is eliminated when preservative free options are used instead.
This is especially good for contact lens wearers. Preservatives may absorb into lens material, and gradually leach out onto the eye, causing irritation. Preservative free drops can be used with lenses on.
Patients with a prior medical diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, glaucoma or any other ongoing eye disease that requires daily eye drops are especially encouraged to try preservative free formulations.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to eye drops, more than most people realize, the type is more important if you use eye drops on a daily basis. Preservative free eye drops are much safer for your eyes than regular drops, which can be used occasionally, but not for everyday or prolonged care. Adrifvision caters to those who require regular and gentle eye care each day with its eye drops that are preservative free, lubricating and other eye drops in the ophthalmic category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use these eye drops with my contact lenses on?
Ans: They are safe to wear with contact lenses.
Q2: Do the drops become stale more quickly after opening?
Ans: Yes, single use vials are to be discarded immediately after opening.
Q3: Are they less cost effective?
Ans: Slightly yes but they are much safer for daily use.
Q4: Are these Drops safe for Children?
Ans: Yes, they are easily used and safe for kids too.
