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What happens if I use eye drops after 4 weeks?
[3] Instructions on eye drop containers usually advise to discard the multi-use eye drops after 4 weeks of opening. At least one study reported no statistically significant difference in rate of contamination between less than 4 weeks and less than eight weeks of use.
Can you use eye drops 30 days after opening?
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.
What happens if you use old 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 expired eye drops hurt you?
What happens if you use steroid eye drops for too long?
As a general rule, the longer you take them or the higher the dose, the more likely side effects can occur. The most concerning potential side effects of the eyes can be glaucoma and cataracts.
Can using eye drops too much be bad?
As mentioned before, if using artificial tears with preservatives, overuse can be very harmful for your eyes. It is recommended to apply no more than four doses in one day. Medicated and allergy eyedrops are meant to soothe red, irritated eyes. Overusing these eyedrops can make problems worse.
What happens if you break a bottle of eye drops?
Once the sterile seal of the bottle is broken, there is concern for contamination, especially if the tip of the bottle touches your eye or any other surface. Most eye drops contain preservatives to slow the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi and protect against infection from these organisms.
Is it safe to use expired eye drops?
Unless otherwise noted in the package insert, eye drops should stay safe and effective until the expiration date if used and stored correctly. Once the sterile seal of the bottle is broken, there is concern for contamination, especially if the tip of the bottle touches your eye or any other surface.
How many times can you use a bottle of eye drops?
The preservatives are chemicals that prevent bacteria from growing. This allows you to use one bottle of eye drops for a length of time. However, the preservatives in OTC eye drops cause eye irritation to become worse. Eye specialists typically recommend that you use this type of eye drop no more than four times a day.
Do eye drops need to be refrigerated?
If you are unsure how long you can use your drops, ask your ophthalmologist or pharmacist. It’s also important to store your eye drops as directed on the bottle or package insert. Some drops are stored at room temperature, while others need refrigeration.