Dangers of Using Expired Eye Drops for Pink Eye

The Dangers of Using Expired Eye Drops

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritation. While pink eye often clears up on its own, using antibiotic eye drops can help speed healing and reduce transmission. However, once eye drops expire, they may not only be ineffective but potentially dangerous.

Can You Use Eye Drops Past the Expiration Date?

The expiration date printed on eye drop bottles indicates when the manufacturer guarantees the drops will be at full potency. Most bottles have an expiration timeline of 12 to 24 months after being opened. However, expiration dates are extremely conservative, and drops may maintain their potency and remain safe to use for some time after.

So can you use expired eye drops? Technically, yes. If unopened, eye drops can often last 6-12 months past their printed expiration date. However, once opened, it is risky to use eye drops more than a month or so past expiration. Over time, the ingredients may start to break down, compromise sterility, lose effectiveness, and even cause harm.

Dangers of Using Expired Eye Drops

While trying to save money, many people wonder if expired eye drops are still safe. Unfortunately, using eye drops past their expiration date can pose the following risks:

• Infection - Out of date drops may contain microbial growth like bacteria that can cause eye infections.
• Allergic reaction - Chemical changes may make drops more allergenic for some people.
• Toxicity - Broken down chemicals may irritate the eyes.
• Lack of effectiveness - Important active ingredients may degrade.
• Damage - Drops may become unsafe pH levels and harm the eyes.

Pink eye itself is rarely dangerous. However, using expired medication could potentially worsen the condition, irritate the eyes, or even cause permanent damage in rare cases.

Signs Eye Drops Have Expired

Watch for the following signs that your eye drops are past their prime and should be discarded:

• Past expiration date
• Cloudiness or change in color
• Precipitates in liquid
• Leaking or damaged container
• Sodium hyaluronate chains are broken
• Solution smells or stings when applied

Safely Using Eye Drops

To safely use eye drops and avoid complications from contaminated, expired, or dysfunctional products:

• Check expiration date before use
• Discard drops 1-3 months after opening
• Never use drops that are cloudy, discolored, or smell funny
• Keep the tip sterile and avoid touching it
• Apply as directed without missing doses
• Store upright and away from sunlight and heat
• Don't transfer drops between containers
• Disinfect dropper tip with alcohol before opening
• Don't use if you have existing eye injury or infection
• Stop use if irritation develops

Getting New Eye Drops

Never take chances with your vision. If your eye drops are expired or compromised:

• Stop use immediately
• Call your eye doctor for evaluation
• Bring the bottle to your appointment
• Have your eyes examined for injury or infection
• Obtain a new prescription for fresh eye drops
• Follow dosage exactly as directed
• Finish the entire course as instructed

With pink eye, antibiotics are only warranted in severe cases. Often just discontinuing old drops while using warm compresses and artificial tears is enough. Be sure to get assessed rather than self-prescribing expired medication.

What to Do If You Used Expired Eye Drops

If you've inadvertently used eye drops past their expiration date, don't panic. Follow these steps:

1. Stop using the expired eye drops immediately
2. Flush your eyes thoroughly with clean water or saline solution
3. Check for any eye redness, pain, blurred vision or discharge
4. Make an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist
5. Bring the expired bottle with you to the appointment
6. Explain how long and how often you used the expired drops
7. Get your eyes examined and tested for injury or infection
8. Follow your eye doctor's guidance for care and treatment
9. If prescribed fresh eye drops, use them only as directed
10. Schedule a follow up to ensure your eyes have healed

While expired eye drops are never recommended, the risk depends on how long past their expiration and the type of drops. Artificial tears likely pose lower risks than medications. But always err on the side of caution and see an eye doctor after using expired drops.

Signs of Eye Injury or Infection

See your eye doctor promptly if you experience any of the following after using expired eye drops:

• Eye pain or tenderness
• Redness that worsens or doesn't improve
• Sensitivity to light
• Green, yellow, or brown discharge
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Blurry, cloudy, or impaired vision
• Excess tearing or watery eyes
• Eyelid swelling
• Eyelashes stuck together
• Flaky skin around lashes

Schedule an urgent care appointment if you have severe symptoms like intense pain, sudden vision loss, or excessive discharge. This could signify a corneal ulcer or other serious complication requiring immediate treatment.

Preventing Future Use of Expired Eye Drops

Avoid finding yourself in this situation again by implementing the following practices:

• Write the date opened on each eye drop bottle.
• Check bottles when getting prescriptions refilled.
• Set a reminder to replace drops 3 months after opening.
• Store eye drops properly away from sunlight and heat.
• Adhere to discard dates for multi-use bottles.
• Ask your doctor for small-quantity prescriptions.
• Don't hoard old bottles of eye drops.
• Examine bottle integrity before use.

Be diligent, don't take risks, and see an eye doctor annually. Preventing infection is far easier than treating complications from expired eye drops.

Alternatives to Expired Pink Eye Medication

If your antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops have expired, you still have options for managing pink eye at home:

Warm Compresses

Applying warm, moist heat can relieve itching, irritation, and discomfort. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, then place over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes as needed.

Cool Compresses

For swelling, itchiness, and discharge, a cool compress can provide relief. Use a clean cloth soaked in cool water or even a chilled, damp tea bag placed on your closed eye.

Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter preservative-free lubricating eye drops can help flush out bacteria and soothe inflamed eyes. Use as needed for dryness and irritation.

Eyewash

Rinsing the eye with a sterile eyewash can remove irritants like dirt, debris, and discharge that may be causing inflammation and discomfort.

Eyelid Scrubs

Use baby shampoo diluted with water to gently cleanse and scrub the eyelids and lashes to keep the area free of bacteria-harboring buildup and oil.

Allergy Medication

Oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Benadryl can help reduce allergic eye inflammation and itching.

See an optometrist or ophthalmologist if symptoms don't improve in a few days with home treatment. Never self-treat severe pink eye with expired medication.

When to Seek Medical Care

Schedule an eye doctor appointment right away if you experience:

• Intense eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes
• Redness, swelling, and discharge that worsens
• Symptoms lasting over a week with no improvement
• High fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting
• Recurrent pink eye infections

Infants and those with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk for complications. Seek prompt medical attention if pink eye symptoms don't significantly improve within 1-2 days.

Your eye doctor can test for STDs, prescription eye drops, or other treatments for severe bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis. Never try to self-treat worsening pink eye with leftover expired medication.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

During your pink eye appointment, ask your eye doctor:

• What is causing my symptoms?
• Do I need antibiotic eye drops or ointment?
• How long will this pink eye last?
• How can I prevent spread to others?
• When can I resume wearing contact lenses?
• Are there any complications I should watch for?
• How often should I follow up regarding my condition?

Be upfront about having used expired eye drops. This will help your doctor best assess any resultant eye injury or infection.

The Takeaway

Using expired eye drops is never worth the risks of eye damage or vision loss. Always examine bottles for expiration dates and signs of contamination before use. Discard eye drops a maximum of 3 months after opening to ensure safety and effectiveness. If you've used expired eye drops, flush your eyes then see an eye doctor promptly. With close follow up care, you can get back to clear, comfortable vision.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.