artificial tears + benzalkonium chloride

Artificial tears + benzalkonium chloride is a combination ophthalmic formulation consisting of **artificial tears**—a general term for lubricating eye drops used to relieve dryness and irritation of the ocular surface—and **benzalkonium chloride**, which is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a preservative. Artificial tears are typically composed of lubricating polymers (such as carboxymethylcellulose or polyethylene glycol), electrolytes, and other soothing agents that mimic or supplement natural tear film, providing relief for dryness and minor irritation. **Benzalkonium chloride** acts as a preservative by disrupting microbial cell membranes, thereby preventing contamination in multidose bottles. However, benzalkonium chloride is known to have cytotoxic effects: it disrupts the lipid layer of the tear film, damages epithelial cells, reduces goblet cell density, and can exacerbate or even induce dry eye syndrome and ocular surface inflammation with chronic use. The combination is used to manage symptoms of dry eye, ocular irritation, and related ocular surface disorders, but long-term use or frequent dosing—especially in sensitive individuals—may worsen symptoms due to benzalkonium chloride toxicity[1][2][4][5][6].