What type of conjunctival finding may indicate a toxic reaction to preservatives?

The presence of conjunctival follicles is often indicative of a toxic reaction, particularly in response to preservatives commonly found in ophthalmic solutions, such as benzalkonium chloride. These follicles are small, raised lesions found on the conjunctiva, which can develop as a response to chronic irritation and inflammation caused by the preservatives.

When preservatives are used frequently, they can injure the conjunctival epithelium, leading to an immune response that results in the formation of follicles. This is distinct from other conjunctival findings, such as papillary constriction, mucoid discharge, or chronic redness, which may be related to different underlying conditions or irritants. Understanding these specific conjunctival findings helps in distinguishing between toxic reactions to preservatives and other types of conjunctival responses.