Selecting appropriate containers is vital to ensure sterility, stability, and usability:
Containers for Ophthalmic Preparations
Dropper Bottles (Low-Density Polyethylene – LDPE)
Commonly used for eye drops.
Designed to deliver controlled droplet size.
Must be compatible with the formulation (e.g., no leaching of plasticizers).
Multidose vs. Single-Dose Containers
Multidose: Contain preservatives, used multiple times, have a built-in dropper tip.
Single-dose vials: Preservative-free, used once, typically come in plastic blow-fill-seal (BFS) packs.
Collapsible Tubes (Aluminum or Plastic)
For eye ointments.
Must be sterile, often have a narrow nozzle to dispense small quantities.
Large Plastic Bottles
For eye lotions/irrigations.
Must maintain sterility over the product shelf life (often single-use).