For healthcare professionals
The effect of topical applications containing Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and the relationship with Ocular Surface Disease is well established, even in concentrations as low as 0.005%1
Patients with Dry Eye Disease (DED), particularly those who require frequent use of lubricants or other topical therapies, should avoid ocular lubricants that contain Benzalkonium chloride (BAK).2
NICE guidelines3 recommend the following for moderate to severe Dry Eye patients:
“Consider preservative-free formulations if; the person is intolerant of preservative in tear supplements; has moderate to severe dry eye disease requiring drops more than 4 times per day; is using multiple preserved topical medications; or uses soft or hybrid contact lens.”
Professor Harminder Dua, one of the world’s leading authorities on the cornea and ocular surface disease explains some of the issues in the videos below: