Is Povidone in Contact Lenses a Preservative?

Povidone is a common ingredient in ophthalmology products such as eye drops. While it is not an ingredient in contact lenses, it often coats the surface of the lenses when they are in their packaging, in their cases or being worn in a patient's eyes.

Role in Opthalmology

• Povidone is not a preservative; rather, it is an antimicrobial agent that kills bacteria that encounter contact lenses and eyes.

Chemical structure

• Povidone has two possible chemical formulas according to the National Institutes of Health: 2-pyrrolidinone, 1- ethenyl-, homopolymer or 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer. Povidone contains nitrogen, oxygen and carbon molecules.

Dosage

• Povidone eyedrops can be administered as often as necessary to lubricate eyes, but ointments containing povidone should be applied only once or twice daily.

Side Effects

• The most common side effects associated with povidone usage are temporary burning and stinging around the eyes. More serious side effects, such as rashes and vision changes, are rare.

Benefits

• A study performed by the Optometric Technology Group found that the use of preservative-free, povidone-containing eydrops decreased ocular tiredness and improved visual acuity, especially during computer use.