Question

An eye drop formulation with poor corneal contact time would be benefited by _______

• A. Increasing tonicity
• B. Increasing pH
• C. Lowering pH
• D. Increasing viscosity

Hint:

Increasing viscosity in eye drops increases contact time and improves ocular drug absorption.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Ophthalmic formulations must remain in contact with the eye surface for sufficient time to allow drug absorption.

Step 1: Problem of poor contact time.
Eye drops are quickly removed from the eye by blinking and tear drainage.

Step 2: Effect of viscosity.
Increasing viscosity makes the formulation thicker. This helps the eye drop stay on the corneal surface for a longer time.

Step 3: Benefit.
Longer contact time improves drug absorption and therapeutic effect.

Step 4: Final answer.
Thus, increasing viscosity improves corneal contact time. \[ \boxed{\text{Increasing viscosity}} \]