What should I do if I used expired eye drops?
Although unopened eye drops can go bad after their expiration date, opened ones have most likely been exposed to bacteria. In either case, ophthalmologists always recommend patients to dispose of eye meds that have reached their shelf life.
What happens if I put expired eye drops?
Using drops past their listed expiration date can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even an eye infection. The chemical compound of eye drops may change and lose potency over time. It is important to discard drops at the proper date to ensure no further usage and keep your eyes safe.
Can you use eye drops a month after expiration date?
Eye drops usually expire about one to two years after the manufacturing date. However, once your eye drops are opened, you should throw them away after three months of use, as there is a greater risk of contamination. You should never use eye drops after their expiration date, or after three months of use.
What happens if you use eye drops after 90 days?
Eye drops in multi-dose packaging contain preservatives to ensure the sealed product remains sterile. After opening however, the preservative can only ensure the drops are safe for the eye for a period of 28 days. Beyond 28 days, using the drops may cause serious damage to the eye as bacteria may have been introduced.
How long do eye infections last?
Viral Conjunctivitis The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up.
What is a natural remedy for an eye infection?
Salt water, or saline, is one of the most effective home remedies for eye infections. Saline is similar to teardrops, which is your eye’s way of naturally cleansing itself. Salt also has antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it only stands to reason that saline can treat eye infections effectively.