Which agent is preservative-free?

• A. Latisse
• B. Tafluprost (Zioptan)
• C. Bimatoprost
• D. Travoprost

Answer: (B)

Preservatives in eye drops prevent contamination but can irritate the ocular surface with long-term use. Tafluprost in Zioptan is the preservative-free prostaglandin analog; it is supplied in single-use vials and contains no preservative such as benzalkonium chloride. This makes it a good option for patients with dry eye, ocular surface disease, or preservative sensitivity, since it avoids the preservative-related irritation some drops can cause over time. The other agents listed are prostaglandin analogs that typically include a preservative in their glaucoma formulations. Latisse and conventional bimatoprost products use benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, contributing to potential irritation with chronic therapy. Travoprost formulations generally use a preservative system (such as SofZia) or benzalkonium chloride, and are not preservative-free. So, in this set, tafluprost in Zioptan is the truly preservative-free option.