Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Perspective on Systematic Medical Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

American journal of ophthalmology·2019

Same author

A Long-term Safety Study of Latanoprost in Pediatric Patients With Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study.

American journal of ophthalmology·2018

Same author

TFOS DEWS II Clinical Trial Design Report.

The ocular surface·2017

Same author

Practice patterns of ophthalmologists administering intravitreal injections in Europe: a longitudinal survey.

Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)·2016

Same author

Thoughts on the Retirement of Professor Juan Murube: Author and Editor of Sources in Time.

The ocular surface·2015

Same author

Clinical guidelines for management of dry eye associated with Sjögren disease.

The ocular surface·2015

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Published on: May 31, 2024

Preservative use in topical glaucoma medications.

Charles S Tressler¹, Richard Beatty, Michael A Lemp

¹Pfizer Inc, New York, New York 10017, USA. Charles.S.Tressler@pfizer.com

The Ocular Surface

|July 28, 2011

Summary

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a common preservative in glaucoma eye drops. Current evidence suggests BAK is safe for most patients, though some may benefit from alternatives.

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Pharmacology

Background:

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is the primary preservative in topical ocular hypotensive medications.
Concerns exist regarding the long-term safety of BAK despite its widespread use.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review preclinical and clinical data on Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) safety in glaucoma patients.
To assess the clinical relevance of reported BAK toxicity.

Main Methods:

Systematic literature review of preclinical (in vitro, in vivo) and clinical studies.
Analysis of BAK concentrations and exposure durations in relation to physiological conditions.

Main Results:

Most preclinical studies showed negative effects, but often used higher BAK concentrations and exposure times than typical patient use.

More Related Videos

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation

Published on: March 12, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Published on: May 31, 2024

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation

Published on: March 12, 2016

Dedicated clinical investigations did not consistently show BAK-related toxicity.

Current evidence supports the general safety of BAK for glaucoma treatment.

Conclusions:

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is generally safe for most glaucoma patients.
Subpopulations with impaired tear film may benefit from preservative-free options or alternative preservatives.
Further research is needed to identify at-risk patient groups.