Are Expired Eye Drops Safe to Use? Understanding Eye Drop Shelf Life and FDA Concerns

The Safety of Using Expired Eye Drops

Using eye drops is a common way to treat minor eye conditions like dryness, redness, and irritation. Many people have leftover bottles of over-the-counter eye drops in their medicine cabinets that may be past their expiration date. This leads many to wonder - are expired eye drops still safe to use?

The expiration date on eye drops is meant to indicate the timeframe that the manufacturer guarantees the product will be effective and sterile. However, an expiration date does not necessarily mean the drops are unsafe or ineffective when used past that date. Here is a look at what you need to know about the safety of using expired eye drops.

Do Eye Drops Go Bad?

Eye drops can go bad past their expiration date due to chemical breakdown of ingredients or bacterial growth. However, if unopened and properly stored, many types of eye drops may still be safe and effective for some time past their expiration date.

Once opened, eye drops last about 4-6 months before bacterial contamination becomes a concern. Unopened, they can often last 1-2 years past the expiration date if stored properly. However, effectiveness may start to decrease after the expiration due to chemical breakdown.

Are Expired Eye Drops Safe to Use?

The safety of using expired eye drops depends on the type of drops, whether they are opened or unopened, and how long past the expiration date they have been stored.

For unopened, branded eye drops that have been properly stored, most remain safe and effective to use for at least 1 year past the printed expiration date. However, once opened, it is best to discard them within 4-6 months.

Generic and over-the-counter eye drops have a lower level of preservatives. These should not be used more than 6 months past the expiration date even if unopened. Opened bottles of generic drops should be discarded after 3 months.

Signs Eye Drops Have Gone Bad

Watch for the following signs that your eye drops may no longer be safe to use:

• Cloudiness, particulates, or color change - this may indicate bacterial growth or chemical breakdown
• Stinging, burning, or irritation when used
• Increase in eye redness, discomfort, or vision changes after use
• Bottle or packaging appears swollen or damaged
• Smells or tastes different than when originally opened

If you notice any of the above signs, it is best to stop using the eye drops and consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Store Eye Drops for Maximum Shelf Life

Properly storing eye drops can help prolong their shelf life past the expiration date. Here are some tips for storage:

• Keep bottles tightly closed when not in use
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat
• Do not store in humid environments like the bathroom
• Keep bottles upright to avoid leakage
• Don't touch the tip of the dropper to avoid contamination
• Don't transfer to other containers that may introduce bacteria

Reducing Waste of Unused Eye Drops

To avoid wasting eye drops that may expire before you use the whole bottle, consider the following tips:

• Only purchase small bottle sizes
• Share any unopened leftover bottles with friends or donate to a medical charity
• Mark the date you opened the bottle on the label
• Set a reminder to replace opened bottles after 4-6 months

Overview of Different Eye Drop Types

Not all eye drops are created equal when it comes to safety past expiration dates. Here is an overview of some common over-the-counter eye drop types and their shelf life:

Artificial Tears/Lubricating Eye Drops

These provide moisture and lubrication for dry eyes. Unopened, the shelf life is generally 1 year past the expiration. Opened bottles should be discarded after 3-4 months.

Redness Relief Eye Drops

These drops constrict blood vessels to reduce redness. Unopened bottles are often safe up to 2 years past expiration. Discard opened bottles after 4-6 months.

Itchy Eye Drops

Antihistamine eye drops provide relief from itchiness caused by allergies. Unopened, these can last about 18 months past expiration. Once opened, discard after 4 months.

Multi-Symptom Eye Drops

Drops that combine lubricants with redness relief ingredients tend to have shorter shelf lives. Use unopened bottles no more than 1 year past expiration and opened bottles for no more than 3-4 months.

Preservative-Free Eye Drops

Preservative-free eye drops, often prescribed by doctors after surgery, have an even shorter shelf life once opened. They should be discarded after 24 hours due to the high risk of contamination.

Check with your doctor before using expired preservative-free drops, as they pose a higher safety risk if used past expiration dates.

Why the FDA Is Concerned About Some Eye Drops

In 2023, the FDA advised consumers to stop using several over-the-counter eye drop products due to potential contamination and other quality issues. This has led many to be wary about using common drugstore eye drops like Visine, Clear Eyes, and generic brands.

The products flagged by the FDA warning included certain lots of EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears, and select store brand lubricant eye drops. The agency advised discarding these drops even if unexpired and recommended consulting a doctor about alternatives.

The FDA is concerned that these products may not be sterile based on manufacturing quality issues. Using contaminated eye drops could lead to serious infections like microbial keratitis, especially with extended contact lens wear.

How to Choose Safe Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Until the FDA's investigation is complete, consumers should exercise caution when selecting over-the-counter eye drops. Look for established national brands sold by major retailers. Inspect bottles closely and avoid using if there are any signs of contamination or damage.

Consult with your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about the quality of a particular eye drop product. They may recommend preservative-free or single-use vials if you require frequent use of drops.

Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience any worrisome eye symptoms like pain, vision changes, or discharge after using an eye drop product.

Preventing Eye Infections

Using expired, contaminated, or improper eye drop hygiene can increase the risk of dangerous eye infections like:

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

This common infection causes redness, swelling, and discharge. It spreads easily between eyes or people. Always wash hands before and after applying eye drops to prevent spreading pink eye.

Styes

Styes are bumps on the eyelid caused by infected oil glands. They can result from contaminated eye drop bottles touching the eyelid.

Keratitis

This infection of the cornea can blur vision and cause extreme pain and sensitivity to light. Using contaminated contacts or eye drops raises keratitis risk.

Endophthalmitis

A rare but serious infection of the inner eye that can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Often occurs after eye surgery but contaminated eye drops may also increase risk.

When to See a Doctor

Consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately if you experience:

• Eye pain or light sensitivity
• Redness that doesn't resolve with eye drops
• Blurred or double vision
• Cloudy or worsening vision
• Excessive eye discharge or tearing
• Feeling of something in your eye

These could signal a serious eye infection that requires prompt medical treatment to prevent vision loss.

The Bottom Line

When stored properly in unopened bottles, most commercial eye drops remain safe and effective for a period of time past their labeled expiration date. However, once opened, eye drops should be discarded within 4-6 months.

Preservative-free eye drops and generic brands tend to have shorter shelf lives. Skip using any eye drops that show signs of cloudiness, irritation, or contamination.

Be cautious about using products flagged in recent FDA warnings. Consult a doctor or pharmacist about obtaining preservative-free drops or single-use vials if you require frequent use.

With proper eye drop hygiene and care, most people can continue using unexpired bottles for minor eye irritation without increased infection risk. However, see an ophthalmologist at the first sign of any eye health concerns.

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.