Bandage lenses and the use of topical solutions containing preservatives

Eight patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca and filamentary keratitis requiring treatment with continuous wear bandage lenses and frequent instillation of artificial tears were studied. The lenses were removed after wear from 3 to 8 weeks and subjected to ultraviolet spectrophotometric evaluation for the presence of the preservative, benzalkonium chloride. No evidence of benzalkonium chloride in the lenses was seen and no clinical evidence of corneal damage was noted. The use of topical medication containing benzalkonium chloride as a preservative in conjunction with hydrophilic lens appears to be clinically acceptable.