Caring for our eyes also includes being mindful of what we’re putting in them. Eye drops are a wonderful tool to support eye health, but like many products, they need safe handling.
Regardless of their type, all eye drops expire and become less effective.
Although it’s not ideal, accidentally using expired eye drops once or twice won’t necessarily cause long-term problems. However, consistently using expired eye drops can introduce harmful bacteria to your eye, increasing the risk of infection or other complications.
If you’re unsure whether your eye drops are still safe, it’s better to be cautious and opt for a new bottle to preserve your vision and eye health.
All About Eye Drops
Eye drops offer more than relief from discomfort and irritation. They’re liquid solutions or suspensions designed to deliver medication or hydration directly to the eye.
While simple, eye drops are incredibly effective. They’re applied directly to the eye’s surface, spreading evenly and quickly to deliver active ingredients to target and improve eye concerns.
Eye drops aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. They come in different formulas to target a range of eye conditions:
- Artificial tears: These are commonly used to relieve dryness and irritation by mimicking the composition of natural tears to provide hydration. They’re also offered in preservative-free formulas, for those with sensitive eyes or who require frequent usage.
- Antihistamine eye drops: These target allergies by relieving redness, itching, and swelling by blocking histamine, a compound responsible for allergic symptoms.
- Medicated eye drops: These prescription drops deliver medication to treat specific concerns, like bacterial infections, inflammation, or glaucoma. With medicated eye drops, remember to follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Since eye drops come in several formulations, using the right type is crucial. Artificial tears can relieve dry eye symptoms but can’t address the root cause of a bacterial eye infection.
For this reason, visiting your eye doctor if you experience persistent discomfort or irritation is essential. A thorough evaluation of your symptoms allows us to recommend the right eye drop to target your concern.
This verifies we’re directly addressing the problem instead of masking it.
Why Do Eye Drops Expire?
No matter their type, all eye drops expire.
Over time, the active ingredients in these drops degrade, making them less effective–which is troublesome if your drops are medicated–and any preservatives in their formulations weaken, making them more vulnerable to contamination.
Once you open a bottle of eye drops, you compromise their sterility. Each use introduces the possibility of bacteria or other contaminants entering the bottle. Preservatives help keep the solution sterile, but only for a limited time.
An eye drop’s shelf life largely depends on its formulation. As a general rule:
- Unopened eye drops: These are safe and effective for several years as long as they’re properly stored and not used past their printed expiration date.
- Open eye drops with preservatives: These should be discarded after 28 to 30 days to reduce the risk of contamination and preserve safety. Adhere to the manufacturing instructions for these drops since this date can vary depending on the specific brand.
- Preservative-free, single-use vials: These should be discarded immediately after each use because they lack the necessary preservatives to keep the solution sterile.
- Medicated eye drops: Because these specialized drops target a specific concern, they have a stringent expiration of around 28 days after opening. It’s important to adhere to this use schedule to fully reap its benefits.
Beyond their intended shelf life, eye drops can become unsafe to use.
Although less effective, accidentally using expired eye drops once or twice won’t necessarily cause immediate harm. However, consistently using them can introduce harmful bacteria to your eye, increasing your risk of irritation or infection.
If you notice a sudden change in your vision or comfort after using expired eye drops, visit your optometrist immediately. If you can, bring the drops you used.
How Do I Know My Eye Drops Have Expired?
Fortunately, eye drop expiration dates are printed directly on their box and bottle, often near the bottom or side. Checking this date helps minimize the risk associated with using expired eye drops.
The expiration date is typically labeled on the packaging as “EXP,” followed by the month and year. Make it a habit to check this date each time you open a new bottle to avoid using it after it has expired. Additionally, most eye drops include details about how long they remain effective once opened, so be sure to review that information as well.
Beyond the expiration date, changes in the solution may indicate the drops are no longer safe to use. If the liquid turns cloudy, changes colour, or smells unusual, dispose of it immediately. These are clear signs the solution has degraded and is no longer sterile.
Caring for Your Eye Drops
Once you open eye drops, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Although following proper care and storage won’t prolong its shelf life, it can maintain the drop’s efficacy and reduce the risk of contamination.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Extreme heat or cold can degrade the solution, therefore, eye drops should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Tightly close the cap: Always make sure to tightly seal the cap after each use to reduce the risk of contamination. This doesn’t apply to single-use preservative-free drops,
- Avoid touching the dropper tip: Be careful not to touch the dropper’s tip with your finger or any surface. This helps maintain sterility and reduce contamination risk.
Refresh Your Eyes Safely
Eye drops are an incredible tool for supporting eye health, but their effectiveness heavily relies on proper usage and care. Always check expiration dates, recognize signs that your drops may have gone bad, and store them correctly to preserve their shelf life. For further guidance on which eye drops are right for you, connect with our Doctors EyeCare Grande Prairie team to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.
