It is best not to use expired eye drops, because they can lose effectiveness and grow bacteria that can cause infection.
Why avoid
- Preservatives lose potency, and bacteria can grow.
- Medicine may be less effective.
- Infection risk, especially after opening: eye drops are usually good for 28 days after opening.
Unopened
Check the expiration date. Single use vials should be discarded after one use.
Signs of spoilage
Cloudiness, color change or particles.
What to do
Discard and buy a new bottle. See an eye doctor if you have pain, redness or vision change.
Preservatives
Multi dose bottles contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride that keep bacteria from growing for a limited time after opening. Once opened, most eye drops should be discarded after 28 days, though check the label. Preservative free vials are for single use and should be thrown away after one use.
Why expired drops are risky
Expiration dates mean the manufacturer can guarantee sterility and potency. After that, preservatives may weaken, active ingredients may break down, and bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa can grow. Serious eye infections can lead to corneal ulcers and vision loss.
FDA warnings
In 2023 the FDA and CDC warned about contaminated artificial tears that caused infections, including some resulting in vision loss and deaths, in a multistate outbreak of drug resistant Pseudomonas.
Opened versus unopened
An unopened bottle past the date may be less effective, but the main risk is with opened bottles that were contaminated. Do not use an eye drop if the seal is broken.
Signs of spoilage
Cloudiness, color change, particles, an odd smell or a change in thickness.
Safe habits
- Wash your hands before applying.
- Do not touch the tip to the eye or any surface.
- Replace the cap right after use.
- Do not share drops.
- Write the opening date on the bottle.
- Remove contact lenses before use unless the label says it is safe.
Storage
Keep at room temperature unless labeled for refrigeration, and out of heat and sunlight.
What to do
Discard expired drops, and replace them. Ask a pharmacist for alternatives.
See a doctor
If you have eye pain, redness, discharge or vision changes after using any drops.
Preservatives and contamination risk
Eye drops are sterile when manufactured, and the expiration date is how long the maker can guarantee sterility and potency. Many multi-dose bottles contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride that keep bacteria out after opening, and many labels advise discarding opened bottles after about 28 days to 3 months. Preservative free vials are single use, and should be discarded after one use. Past the date, the medicine may lose effectiveness, and contaminated drops can cause serious infections.
FDA and CDC warnings
In 2023, contaminated artificial tears made by a few manufacturers were linked to an outbreak of drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa that, according to the CDC, affected 81 patients in 18 states, including 4 deaths, 14 cases of vision loss and 4 surgical removals of an eye. Safe habits include not touching the dropper tip to the eye, keeping the cap tight, not sharing bottles and storing as directed. Throw out drops that are cloudy, discolored or past the date. See an eye doctor right away if you have eye pain, discharge, redness or vision changes after using drops.
Based on data from the CDC and the FDA
