Expired Eye Drops: Is it Safe to Use Them? What to Know

Eye drops are a common medicine to have on hand for treating dry eyes, allergies, or infections. But if you reach into your medicine cabinet, only to find your eye drops are past their expiration date, you might wonder, “Can I still use these?”

Using expired eye drops may not be safe, but is it harmful?

This article will cover everything you need to know about expiration dates, the risks of using expired eye drops, safe usage, storage, and disposal.

Understanding expiration dates on eye drops

What does the expiration date really mean?

The expiration date is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the product is stable, effective, and safe to use. It’s the date until which the eye drops will retain their chemical properties and stay sterile.

Why do sterility and stability matter?

Sterility is important because it prevents bacterial contamination and, in turn, eye infections. And stability matters because it ensures that the active ingredients in the drops are still potent enough to have their intended effect.

What are the risks of using expired eye drops?

There are a few reasons why it’s a bad idea to use eye drops after the expiration date on the bottle.

Decreased effectiveness

Over time, the active ingredients in eye drops can degrade, making the medication less potent and less effective. This can be especially problematic in conditions like glaucoma, where a consistent dosage is key to preventing further damage to your eyes.

Contamination risk

Most eye drops contain preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria. After the expiration date, these preservatives may no longer work, raising the risk that the drops may be contaminated. Even if you haven’t opened the bottle, contaminants can still be present.

Irritation and allergic reactions

The degraded ingredients in expired eye drops can cause irritation, stinging, or allergic reactions.

Physical changes

If the drops have changed color or become cloudy, or if you can see particles floating in the liquid, it’s a sign the drops have deteriorated and shouldn’t be used.

When Might Expired Eye Drops Be Acceptable (And When Are They Definitely Not)?

When is it acceptable? (Emergency situations)

In a true emergency, you might use recently expired, preservative-based eye drops if you have no other option, although this is not a recommended practice.

When is it unsafe? (The general rule)

Prescription eye drops should never be used after their expiration date. You need to be sure of the dosage, and you need to know they’re sterile.

Throw out any eye drops that are significantly past their expiration date, or that show any signs of discoloration, cloudiness, or other physical changes.

Preservative-free eye drops should never be used past the expiration date, since they don’t contain any ingredients to keep them from growing bacteria.

Maximizing eye drop lifespan: Proper storage

Even if you decide to use expired eye drops, you should know how to store them properly to help them last as long as possible.

Here are a few storage tips:

  • Keep eye drops at room temperature.
  • Store them away from sunlight and humidity.
  • Make sure the bottle is always tightly closed.
  • Don’t store eye drops in the bathroom.
  • Some eye drops should be refrigerated. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

How to safely dispose of expired eye drops

The safest way to dispose of any prescription medication is to use a local pharmacy take-back program, if one is available.

If you don’t have access to a take-back program, the FDA recommends mixing the expired eye drops with something undesirable, like coffee grounds or kitty litter, before throwing them in the trash. This helps prevent children and pets from accidentally ingesting the medication.

Don’t flush old eye drops down the toilet unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically tell you to do so.

How to use eye drops safely

Even before expiration, eye drops can become contaminated and cause an infection. To avoid this, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
  2. Make sure the dropper tip doesn’t touch your eye, eyelashes, or any surface.
  3. If the dropper touches anything, throw the bottle away.
  4. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to make a pocket, and gently squeeze a drop into the pocket.

The Bottom Line

Always check expiration dates on your eye drops, store them correctly, and dispose of them safely. If you have concerns about your eyes or vision, it’s always best to talk with an eye care professional.

Taking these steps will help you prioritize your eye health.