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Related Experiment Videos

How the most common preservative affects the Meibomian lipid layer.

T Kaercher1, D Hönig, W Barth

  • 1Augenklinik des Städtischen Klinikums, Ludwigshafen, D-67063, Germany

Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|June 5, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Benzalkonium chloride in eye drops can harm the Meibomian lipid layer. Concentrations above 0.005% disrupt lipid film spreading and stability, suggesting clinical avoidance.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Surface Chemistry
  • Tear Film Dynamics

Background:

  • Preservatives like benzalkonium chloride are common in ophthalmic solutions.
  • The impact of benzalkonium chloride on the Meibomian lipid layer, crucial for tear film stability, is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of varying benzalkonium chloride concentrations on the Meibomian lipid layer.
  • To determine a critical concentration of benzalkonium chloride that adversely affects the Meibomian lipid layer's morphology and spreading properties.

Main Methods:

  • Meibomian gland secretion was applied to an aqueous subphase containing benzalkonium chloride (0.001% to 0.1%).
  • Brewster Angle Microscopy was used for direct optical control of lipid film spreading and quality.

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  • Experiments were conducted at pH 5.5 and 20°C, mimicking ocular surface conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Benzalkonium chloride was tolerated at concentrations up to 0.005%.
    • Higher concentrations (> 0.005%) led to domain formation and unstable lipid films.
    • These findings were confirmed using a modified method involving post-spreading benzalkonium chloride injection.

    Conclusions:

    • A critical concentration of benzalkonium chloride exists that impairs the spreading and alters the morphology of the Meibomian lipid layer.
    • Ophthalmic solutions containing benzalkonium chloride above 0.005% should be reconsidered for clinical use due to potential harm to the ocular surface.