You might use eye drops for many different reasons, includingocular allergies, eye redness, anddry eye.
Any eye drop bottle that you open and use more than once will contain preservatives.
Preservatives can help prevent the growth of bacteria in the bottle that contains the drops.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
The most common preservative used in eye drops is calledbenzalkonium chloride, or BAK.
Using BAK too frequently can irritate your eyes and may make dry eyes worse.
Eye drops for dry eye that are free of preservatives do not contain BAK.
Many artificial tears contain preservatives.
Prescription eye drops treat dry eye in a different way and are not considered to be artificial tears.
What Are Preservative-Free Eye Drops?
There are artificial tears for dry eye with and without preservatives.
Benzalkonium chloride is the most common preservative in eye drops.
However, in some people, BAK can make dry eye worse.
Other possible effects from BAK include:
Some lubricating eye drops contain preservatives, while others do not.
Eye drops with preservatives typically are sold in small bottles.
The preservative helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Do They Cost More?
As the term suggests, preservative-free eye drops do not contain preservatives to keep bacteria away.
Because of this, preservative-free eye drops cost more than those with preservatives.
Are There Low-Preservative Options?
The most common preservative, BAK, can irritate the eyes for some.
Also consider switching to preservative-free drops if you use electronic devices frequently or have glaucoma.
A Word From Verywell
The number of lubricating eye drops available over the counter can be overwhelming.
Your doctor may recommend them if you have an advanced case of dry eye.
Most flexible savings accounts (FSA) cover the cost of eye drops, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the product packaging to find out.
Preservative-free eye drops come in packaging for onetime use or use within 24 hours.
Prolonging their use can increase the chance of bacterial contamination.
Yes, it is safe to use preservative-free eye drops every day.
Walsh K, Jones L.The use of preservatives in dry eye drops.Clin Ophthalmol.
2019;13:14091425. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S211611
American Optometric Association.Dry eye.
Boyd K.Lubricating eye drops for dry eye.
Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society.A patient’s guide to artificial tears.
