Why Use Preservative-Free Eye Drops?

Preservatives in eye drops should be avoided as they may worsen the patient's condition. This applies particularly to patients with moderate and severe dry eye, who may have to use eye drops quite frequently.
 

TFOS DEWS II Report

The new DEWSII report issued in July 2017 has this to say about preservatives (Section 2.1.1.1.5. Preservatives): "Chronic exposure of the ocular surface to preservatives is now well recognized to induce toxicity and adverse changes to the ocular surface...preservative-free drops may be a better choice for patients who have pre-existing ocular surface conditions and/or need frequent instillation of eye drops.... Preservative-free eye drops have shown greater effectiveness than preserved drops in decreasing inflammation on the ocular surface and increasing the antioxidant contents in tears of patients with DED."

MIMS: Ophthalmic Preparations, Preservatives and Potential Sensitisers as Ingredients

MIMS has listed a number of preservatives commonly found in many eye drop preparations: http://www.mims.co.uk/ophthalmic-preparations-preservatives-potential-sensitisers-ingredients/ophthalmology/article/1100486
 

How about VISMED® eye drops? Do they contain any preservatives?

The answer is that not only are the single-dose vials (VISMED®, VISMED® GEL) preservative free, but neither do the "Just squeeze" multi-dose bottles (VISMED® MULTI, VISMED® GEL MULTI) contain any preservatives at all. Our multidose bottles (ophthalmic squeeze dispensers) have been specially designed to remain sterile for up to 3 months after first use, whilst being very easy to use and offering a precise and reproducible drop ejection.

These innovative multi-dose bottles have a unique inbuilt system to keep the lubricant free from contaminants. TRB Chemedica was the first company to use the OSD bottles (Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser) for VISMED® MULTI. And, in fact, the design of the bottle actually won an award in 2012.