The preparation and sterilization of ophthalmic solutions.

Ophthalmic solutions should be prepared and preserved according to whether they are to be used in surgical procedures, in the clinic or office, or by the patient at home. There is an optimum pH level at which the solutions of individual drugs should be buffered in order to obtain the maximum efficiency and stability. Deterioration of the drugs used is greatly diminished when they are dispensed at the proper pH. Quaternary ammonium chloride solutions in proper strength have been shown to be adequate for the preservation of ophthalmic solutions.