Experts Warn About PHMB in Eye Drops for Children
New Delhi: Eye drops are commonly used for infections, dryness, and vision care. Most parents consider them safe, but experts are now raising concerns about a chemical called Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), which is widely used in many eye drop solutions.
PHMB is added to eye drops as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth. It helps keep the medicine safe, especially in bottles that are used multiple times. The chemical works by destroying harmful bacteria like Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus.
However, experts say that while PHMB protects the bottle, it may not always be safe for the eye, especially with long-term use. Dr Mihir Kothari explained that repeated exposure to PHMB may affect delicate eye tissues. Studies suggest it can cause stress to cells and even lead to damage in the cornea and conjunctiva.
The risk is higher when eye drops are used regularly for months or years. Doctors have linked long-term use of preserved drops to problems like irritation, dryness, unstable tear film, and slow healing of the eye surface.
Children are considered more vulnerable because their eyes are still developing. Continuous exposure to preservatives like PHMB may increase the risk of inflammation and affect natural eye repair over time.
Doctors say that short-term use may not be very harmful, but caution is needed for long-term treatment. Many experts now suggest using preservative-free eye drops whenever possible, especially for children.
New technologies have made safer options available that maintain sterility without harmful chemicals. Experts advise parents to consult doctors before choosing eye drops and avoid unnecessary long-term use.
This growing concern highlights the need to balance treatment with safety, especially when it comes to protecting children’s eye health.
