Can You Use Expired Eye Drops? Risks & Facts

Eye drops are commonly used for eye problems such as allergies, infections, and dryness. However, if you run into an old bottle in your cabinet and realize it has expired a few months ago. A dilemma is set. Can I use expired eye drops or are they dangerous? While it may be appealing to use them, expired eye drops can do more harm than good. how? Explore our blog to understand why using expired eye drops is dangerous and why potential health concerns can pose you.

Can I use expired eye drops?

No, it shouldn’t. The expiration date of unopened products for eye drops is used 1-2 years after the date of manufacture and stored properly. However, open eye drops will expire within 28 days of the date of manufacture. Antibiotic eye drops generally last for a few days or a month after opening. However, according to American Academy of Ophthalmology, Due to the high risk of contamination, preservative-free eye drops should be used within 24 hours of the opening.

Potential risks of using expired eye drops

These risks arise when you use expired eye drops.

• Bacterial contamination: Once bright bacteria are opened, they are exposed to harmful bacteria, especially if they are not stored properly.

• Eye Infections: Effective eye drops can be contaminated, causing harmful bacteria to enter the eyes, leading to certain eye conditions such as keratitis, conjunctivitis (pink eyes), or fungal keratitis that require treatment.

• Increased irritation: Ingredients broken down with eye drops can irritate the eyes, which can worsen symptoms such as dryness and redness.

• Reduced effectiveness: If the components of the eye droplets deteriorate after the expiration date, they may be less effective and not provide the desired relief, making the eyes dry and uncomfortable.

If you experience symptoms after accidentally using expired eye drops, contact your ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately.

What would you do instead?

If you’ve been using old eye drops that have been in your cabinet for years, keep these in mind.

• Please check the product expiration date. Always check the expiration date of your eye drop before use.

• Discard any bottles that are opened after the recommended date: Discard eye drops with recommended usage within 28 days of opening, even if the expiration date has not passed.

• Carefully use a preservative-free drop. These drops are provided as single-use vials that need to be discarded immediately after one use.

• Store properly: Keep your eyes on a dry, cool space and follow the storage instructions on the product packaging.

If you need to use eye drops for medical reasons but have now expired, consult an eye professional for effective options.

What should I do if I have accidental use of an expired eye drop?

If you accidentally use expired eye drops, discard them and check for signs of infection. Contamination of eye drops with bacteria and contamination of preservatives may result in eye infections. Therefore, look for these common signs of eye infection.

• Discomfort or pain in one eye or both

• I feel like something’s stuck in my eyes

• High light sensitivity

• Eye discharge that may be yellow, bloody, or green

• Redness of the eyelids or eyes

• White or grey pain in the iris

• Fever of unknown cause

• Haze

If you notice these symptoms, see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

How long will it last if you open your eyes?

Once opened, the eye drops last for about 28-30 days. However, the appropriate period will depend on the type of eye drops and the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Antibiotic eye drops: Open until several days or months

• Preservative-free eye drops: Do not last longer compared to those with preservatives

• Disposable eye drops: Use within 1 day of opening

Do not use eye drops after this period as the preservatives begin to decompose and allow bacteria to grow. This reduces the effectiveness of eye drops. Unopened eye drops usually expire one to two years after the date of manufacture mentioned.

Important considerations:

• If you find any problems with mud or floating, avoid using eye drops.

• Store as directed towards the package insert or bottle.

• If you are unsure when the eye drops can be used, ask your pharmacist or ophthalmologist.

Why do some eye drops expire earlier than others?

Some types expire earlier than others due to the manufacturing method. Eye drops containing preservatives are made to last longer, and those without preservatives are prescription for daily use as they are prone to contamination. Therefore, eye drops containing preservatives should be used immediately after opening.

Tips for effective and safe use of eye drops

Follow these tips to make your eye drops effective and safe to use.

• Wash your hands: Always make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before disposing of eye drop bottles to prevent the risk of contamination.

• Check expiration date: Do not use eye drops that have expired. Please discard it after the recommended time.

• Don’t touch on dropper tips: FDA To reduce the risk of contamination, it is recommended to avoid touching the tip of your fingers, eyes, or dirty surfaces.

• Store eye drops properly. Follow all storage instructions, including leaving the bottle tightly closed, at room temperature, and in the fridge if necessary.

• Use the appropriate dosage. Apply the advised number of drops to avoid excessive or low use, eliminating reduced effectiveness.

• Wait between different eye drops: If you are using many eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between drops of each type for proper absorption.

• Open one bottle at a time only: If you are prescribing several eye drop bottles for 90 days of use, store them in a sealed state until the current eye drops are properly exhausted or expired.

• Monitor for side effects: Monitor for potential side effects such as redness and irritation and meet your ophthalmologist.

Proper care for eye drops and their use ensures their efficacy and safety.

Will the saline solution in contact lenses expire?

Yes, just like eye drops, saline will expire once it passes the expiration date mentioned by the manufacturer. Always check the expiration dates listed on the bottle, label, or packaging box. Once the bottle is opened, it must be discarded within 90 days, but this period may vary depending on the solution and the type of manufacturer’s instructions. Preservative-free saline should be disposed of within one day of the opening.

When will you see the doctor?

If you experience these symptoms continuously, stop using eye drops and see an eye specialist immediately.

Consult your ophthalmologist to help you find the exact cause and provide thorough examinations to get effective treatment.

Final thoughts

Can I use expired eye drops? No, do not use eye drops that fit the expiration date. Once opened, use the drop within 28 days of the date of manufacture. Unopened items must be used within 1-2 years from the date of manufacture. Do not use expired products as they can lead to eye infections, irritation, and bacterial contamination. If you notice any potential side effects of eye drops that have been cut off, check out an eye expert immediately, as it can cause eye damage.

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