Are preservatives in eye drops harmful?
While preservatives can help your artificial tears last longer in the bottle, many people find the additives can irritate their eyes. The chemicals present in the preservatives can cause poor production and maintenance of the tear film, and this can cause dry eye symptoms.
What is SOC preservative?
Oxidative preservatives Stabilized Oxychloro Complex (SOC) (Purite) is a combination of chlorine dioxide, chlorite and chlorate which causes oxidation of intracellular lipids and glutathione, interrupting vital enzymes for cell function and maintenance.
Can you use too much preservative-free eye drops?
However, the preservatives in OTC eye drops cause eye irritation to become worse. Eye specialists typically recommend that you use this type of eye drop no more than four times a day. Preservative-free eye drops come in multiple one-time use vials. After you apply one dose of the drops, you must throw away the vial.
What is stabilized Oxychloro complex?
Stabilized oxychloro complex (SOC) is an oxidative-type preservative that was introduced into topical ophthalmic medicines in the mid 1990s under the trade name Purite. One of its derivatives, sodium chlorite, has been used in water purification systems since the 1940s.
Why do doctors recommend preservative-free eye drops?
The preservatives may irritate your eyes, especially if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eyedrops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes.
What is Oxychloro?
What are the best eye drops to lubricate your eyes?
If your eye dryness is the result of diminished oil layer in your tears, your doctor may recommend drops that contain oil. Rosacea in the eyelids, for example, can reduce your eye’s oil supply. Some effective eye drops with oil include Systane Balance, Sooth XP, and Refresh Optive Advanced.
What is stabilized oxychloro complex?
Stabilized Oxychloro Complex is an oxidative (antimicrobial) preservative comprising of an equilibrium mixture of oxychloro species, predominantly chlorite (at 99.5%), chlorate (at ˜0.5%) and traces of chlorine dioxide.
Is oxychloro complex (OCS) an antimicrobial agent?
Stabilized oxychloro complex has been shown to be well tolerated by the ocular surface. Even at very low concentrations of SOC (0.005%), the antimicrobial activity is broad. SOC has been shown to lack cytotoxicity in vivo. The antimicrobial effects are broad and include antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects.
What is an example of a preservative toxicity?
Such toxicity of preservatives may cause ocular discomfort, changes in vision and may interfere with patient compliance with recommended dosages. Examples of preservatives include: BAK, benzododecinium bromide (BDD), Cbl, MP, SP, stabilized oxychloro complex (SOC), and Thi.
Can preservatives in ocular medications damage the epithelium?
Presence of a preservative in an ocular medication has often resulted in damaging the epithelium. Preservatives are an important component of ophthalmic preparations, preventing bacterial growth and subsequent infection.