Eye drops are commonly used for eye issues like allergies, infections, and dryness. However, if you come across an old bottle in your cabinet, and you realize it expired months ago. A dilemma sets in—can you use expired eye drops, or is it risky? While it may be tempting to use them, expired eye drops can do more harm than good. How? Let’s explore the blog to understand why using expired eye drops is risky and what potential health concerns they may pose.
Can You Use Expired Eye Drops?
No, you shouldn't. Eye drop expiration date for unopened products is 1-2 years after their manufacturing date if used and stored appropriately. However, opened eye drops expire within 28 days of their manufacturing date. Antibiotic eye drops generally last for a few days or 1 month once opened. However, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, preservative-free eye drops should be used within 24 hours of opening as they are at increased risk of contamination.
Potential Risks of Using an Expired Eye Drop
Using expired eye drops poses these risks:
Bacterial Contamination: Eye drops get exposed to harmful bacteria once opened, especially if not stored correctly.
Eye Infections: Expired eye drops go through contamination that causes harmful bacteria to enter the eyes and lead to certain eye conditions like keratitis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or fungal keratitis that requires medical treatment.
Increased Irritation: Degraded ingredients in eye drops can irritate the eyes, which, in turn, can worsen the symptoms, such as dryness or redness.
Reduced Effectiveness: As ingredients of eye drops deteriorate after the expiry date, they become less effective and might not offer the desired relief, leaving the eyes dry and uncomfortable.
If you experience any concerning symptoms after you accidentally use expired eye drops, immediately contact an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
What To Do Instead?
If using old eye drops that have been in your cabinet for years, keep these things in mind:
Check the product's expiry date: Always see the expiry date of eye drops before using them.
Discard an opened bottle after its recommended date: Throw away the eye drops that have the usage recommendation within 28 days of their opening, even if their expiration date has not passed.
Cautiously use preservative-free drops: These drops come as single-use vials which should be immediately discarded after one use.
Store it properly: Keep the eye drops in a dry and cool space and always follow storage instructions mentioned on the product's packaging.
If you need to use an eye drop for medical reasons but it has now expired, consult the eye specialists for an effective option.
What To Do In Case of Accidental Use of Expired Eye Drops?
If you accidentally use the expired eye drop, just discard it and watch for signs of infection. There can be the possibility of eye infections due to the contamination of eye drops with bacteria and also preservatives become less effective. Hence, look for these common signs of eye infection:
Discomfort or pain in one or both eyes
Feeling like something is stuck in the eye
High light sensitivity
Eye discharge that may be yellow, bloody, or green
Redness in the eyelids or eye
White or grey sores on the iris
Unexplained fever
Blurry vision
See an eye doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
How Long Do Eye Drops Last Once They Are Opened?
Once opened, eye drops last for about 28-30 days. But the proper duration depends on the kind of eye drops and the manufacturer's directions:
Antibiotic eye drops: Last for some days or a month once opened
Preservative-free eye drops: Don't last longer compared to ones with preservatives
Single-use eye drops: Used within 1 day after their opening
Eye drops should not be used after this period because preservatives start breaking down and allow bacteria growth. This, in turn, reduces the effectiveness of the eye drops. When it comes to unopened eye drops, it typically expires 1 to 2 years after the mentioned manufacturing date.
Important Considerations:
Avoid using eye drops if you find muddiness or floating matter in them.
Store them as directed on the package insert or bottle.
If you're unsure how long you can use eye drops, ask the pharmacist or ophthalmologist.
Why Do Some Eye Drops Expire Sooner Than Others?
Some types of eye drops expire sooner compared to others because of how they are manufactured. Eye drops with preservatives are made to last longer and ones with no preservatives are formulated for one-day use as they are more prone to contamination. Hence, eye drops that contain no preservatives should be used sooner after their opening.
Tips For Effective and Safe Use of Eye Drops
Follow these tips for effective and safe use of eye drops:
Wash the hands: Always make sure your hands are thoroughly washed before handling eye drop bottles to prevent the risk of contamination.
Check an expiry date: Avoid using expired eye drops and throw them away after the recommended time.
Avoid touching the dropper tip: The FDA recommends avoiding touching the tip to your fingers, eyes, or any dirty surface to alleviate contamination risk.
Store the eye drop properly: Follow all the storage instructions like keeping the bottle tightly closed or putting it at room temperature or in the refrigerator if needed.
Use the appropriate dosage: Apply the advised number of drops and avoid excessive or less use to eliminate reduced effectiveness.
Wait between different eye drops: If you are using many eye drops, wait for at least 5 minutes between each type of drop for proper absorption.
Open one bottle only at one time: If you're prescribed several eye drop bottles for 90-day use, keep them sealed and stored correctly until the current eye drop is properly used up or expired.
Monitor the side effects: Keep a watch over potential side effects like redness or irritation and see an eye doctor.
Taking appropriate care of the eye drops and their use ensures their effectiveness and safety.
Does Saline Solution For Contact Lenses Expire?
Yes, just like eye drops, saline solutions also expire when they pass their expiration date that is mentioned by the manufacturers. Always check the expiry date mentioned on the bottle, label, or packaging box. Once you open the bottle, it should be thrown away within 90 days, but this duration can vary based on the type of solution and manufacturer's instructions. Saline solution with no preservatives should be discarded within 1 day of its opening.
When to See a Doctor?
If you continuously experience these symptoms, discontinue eye drop use and immediately see an eye specialist:
Persistent swelling or redness
Eye pain or discomfort
Sensitivity to light
Eye irritation
Consulting the eye doctor will help with a thorough examination to detect the exact cause and receive effective treatments.
Final Thoughts
Can you use expired eye drops? No, you should not use eye drops that have passed their expiration date. Once opened, make sure to use the drops within 28 days of their manufacturing date and unopened ones should be used within 1-2 years of their manufacturing date. Avoid using expired products as they can lead to eye infections, irritation, and bacterial contamination. If you notice any potential side effects of expired eye drops, see an eye specialist immediately as it can cause damage to your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if eye drops have gone bad?
You can check the expiration date on the back or bottom of the bottle. If you can not find the date, discard it and buy a new one.
What eye drops should I avoid?
Avoid decongestant eye drops as they worsen symptoms and cause addiction, unapproved eye drops as they contain vasoconstrictors which also worsen symptoms, and recalled eye drops as they go through unsafe manufacturing practices.
How can I moisten my eyes without eye drops?
Use warm compresses, wash crusty lashes, consume oily fish, drink plenty of water, wear wraparound sunglasses, wear wraparound sunglasses, and use a humidifier.
What happens to eye drops after you open them?
Once opened, the ingredients of eye drops undergo breakdown and become less effective and also break the sterile seal, leading to contamination.
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