A contact lens wearer using Azasite should do what?

• A. Discontinue contact lens wear because of BAK
• B. Continue wear with reduced hours
• C. Switch to hard lenses
• D. Use with CLs

Answer: (A)

Azasite contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that can bind to soft contact lenses. When lenses are worn during treatment, the drug and preservative can be absorbed by the lens material and released back onto the eye, increasing irritation and potentially altering or reducing the antibiotic’s effectiveness. For this reason, contact lens wear should be stopped during the course of therapy. After finishing treatment (and following the clinician’s guidance on reinsertion timing), lenses can be resumed. Wearing lenses during therapy or trying to “reduce hours” does not prevent these issues, and switching to hard lenses wouldn’t avoid the preservative-lens interaction. Using with contact lenses is contraindicated.