Eyecare Innovations Today: An Ophthalmic Educational Podcast Series

In this episode, Robert J. Noecker, MD, reviews the role of preservatives, particularly benzalkonium chloride (BAK), in ophthalmic medications. While BAK effectively prevents bacterial growth, its inherent toxicity poses challenges with prolonged use, leading to symptoms associated with ocular surface diseases. Dr. Noecker emphasizes the importance of exploring alternatives like preservative-free formulations or less toxic oxidizing preservatives, which should ensure effective glaucoma treatment without compromising ocular health. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Miriam Kolko, MD, PhD, shares her vision for preservative-free eye care. Dr. Kolko strongly advocates for patient education regarding the benefits and limitations of preservative-free alternatives, encouraging tailored treatment strategies. Ultimately, she envisions a future where BAK-free alternatives take precedence in eye care, promoting better patient outcomes and adherence to treatment regimens. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Nathan Radcliffe, MD, discusses the widespread use of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in the US ophthalmic market. Dr. Radcliffe acknowledges concerns about its long-term effects, such as exacerbating dry eye and impacting the success of incisional glaucoma surgery. Preservative-free formulations are favored in Europe, and Dr. Radcliffe highlights the growing recognition among US eye care clinicians regarding the need for BAK alternatives. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Anton Hommer, MD, discusses the European perspective on adopting preservative-free pharmaceuticals, highlighting challenges like health care professionals’ reluctancy to change, diverse reimbursement systems, and higher costs. He compares single-use and multiuse drugs, considering factors such as environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Hommer emphasizes the superior efficacy of preservative-free medications, especially in treating chronic conditions such as glaucoma, and anticipates an increase in their use to protect ocular health and enhance chronic disease management. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, and Douglas D. Koch, MD, delve into the realm of optics and aberrations. They cover a range of topics, including spherical and chromatic aberrations, ABBE numbers, and residual refractive error. Additionally, they explore various intraocular lens (IOL) designs, emphasizing the impact of these designs and manufacturing processes on visual quality. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.