Preservative free topical eye drops

Posted , 3 users are following.

Since I have dry eyes as well as cataracts, I was interested to research the question of why many people experience dry eyes for the first time or worsening dry eye symptoms following cataract surgery. I found there are many risk factors, one of which is preservatives in eye drops. The generic eye drops prescribed for me contain preservatives but the brand is preservative free.

Just wondering if others in the group with dry eye have considered a preservative free antibiotic drop or steroid drop to reduce the risk?

On a related note, have you adopted any other steps to reduce the risk of cataract surgery related dry eye disease?

If you are interested in one of the articles from PubMed (free full text):

Cataract surgery and dry eye disease: a review

EJO European Journal of Opthalmology

2020 vol 30(5) 840-855

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Edited

    The drops my surgeon recommended were brand name, and he claims fewer of them can be used compared to the generics. I believe they are preservative free.

    .

    Corticosteroid - Durezol

    Antibiotic - Vigamox

    .

    The dry eye drops I use are HydraSense Advanced, and also believe they are preservative free. Has 0.15% of the sodium hyaluronate active ingredient.

  • Edited

    Thanks Ron! Will see about switching as Vigamox would be gentler without those preservatives. That said. I'll have to be super careful not to contaminate the tip of the bottle!

    Of course, you have successfully from worrying about everything (like me) to helping others. Thank you so much!

  • Edited

    The best preservative-free eyedrops are Systane Hydration in the multi-dose bottle made by Alcon

  • Edited

    I like Systane Hydration too!

    What I'm really concerned about is worsening my dry eyes due to the preservatives in the antibiotic and steroid drops. Apparently that was the result of a study discussing risk factors for dry eye after cataract surgery or worsening of existing dry eye.

    Many thanks for your support!

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