Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is the most frequently used preservative in preserved eye drops. BAK can induce corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell apoptosis, damage corneal nerves, delay wound healing, interfere with tear film stability and cause loss of goblet cells.1
The negative symptoms experienced using BAK-preserved drops may impact adherence to the prescribed treatment or management regime.2
Patients with Dry Eye Disease (DED) should avoid the use of ocular lubricants containing BAK. This is especially important to those with severe DED who require frequent dosing with lubricants or those patients who may use ocular lubricants at the same time to treat other chronic diseases such as Glaucoma.1
A unidirectional valve in the Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser (OSD) allows multidose bottles to be free of preservatives.1 The closure system maintains the microbiological, chemical and physical characteristics of the product.3
Before the technology in OSDs, only eye drops in unit dose vials were unpreserved. However, unit dose vials are more expensive than OSDs and may be more difficult to use for some patients.1
The lack of preservatives has benefits such as:
Viscotears® can deliver up to 40% yearly cost savings compared with similar dry eye products*
*Savings based on an average of 6 packs per patient per year.
For example: 4
HYLO-Tear® 10ml | £8.50 |
---|---|
HYLO-Forte® 10ml | £9.50 |
Thealoz Duo® 10ml | £8.99 |
Viscotears® HA 10ml | £5.10 |
---|---|
Viscotears® HA Plus 10ml | £5.70 |
Viscotears® Treha Duo 10ml | £6.29 |
1- Jones L et al. Ocul Surf. 2017; 15: 575–628.
2- Walsh K, Jones L. Clin Ophthalmol. 2019; 13: 1409-1425.
3- Viscotears® HA IFU. October 2021, BLv2.
4- NHS. Drug tariff. Available at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/drug-tariff (Accessed February 2022).
5- Viscotears® HA Plus IFU 07/2017 BLv1.
6- Viscotears® Treha Duo IFU 03/2021, v. 2-3-V.
7- Viscotears® Tri Action IFU 03/2021, v. 1.1-V.