Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice

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VOLUME 6 , ISSUE 3 ( September-December, 2012 ) > List of Articles

PERSPECTIVE

Controversy: Is Benzalkonium Chloride Necessary in Antiglaucoma Drops?

Y Louati, T Shaarawy

Keywords : BAK, Ocular surface disease and glaucoma, Bioavailability, Preservatives in glaucoma medication, Preservative free glaucoma medication

Citation Information : Louati Y, Shaarawy T. Controversy: Is Benzalkonium Chloride Necessary in Antiglaucoma Drops?. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2012; 6 (3):104-107.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10008-1115

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-06-2019

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2012; The Author(s).


Abstract

Medical therapy is the first-line option in glaucoma management, with benzalkonium chloride (BAC) being the most frequently used preservative in antiglaucoma medications. Its use is however, known to be associated with deleterious effects on the ocular surface. This review is an attempt to critically evaluate whether BAC really is indispensable for better bioavailability of antiglaucoma drugs and consequently, better IOP control.


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