Do all eye drops need to be kept in the fridge? The Expert Answer

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Globally, medication-related harm affects about 1 in 20 patients, often due to simple mistakes like improper storage. This raises a common question for many: do all eye drops need to be kept in the fridge to remain safe and effective? The answer is no, but for some, it is critical.

Quick Summary

Most eye drops are safe at room temperature, but some, especially for glaucoma or those without preservatives, must be refrigerated to maintain stability and prevent degradation. Always check the label for specific instructions.

Key Points

Not a Universal Rule: Most eye drops do not need refrigeration and should be stored at room temperature.
Check The Label: The medication's packaging and patient leaflet are the most reliable sources for storage instructions.
Glaucoma Drops are Key: Many glaucoma medications, like unopened Latanoprost (Xalatan), are the most common type requiring refrigeration.
Before vs. After Opening: Storage rules can change. An eye drop may need refrigeration when sealed but can be kept at room temperature for a limited time after opening.
Safety and Efficacy First: Improper storage can make eye drops less effective or lead to harmful bacterial contamination.
Avoid Extremes: No eye drops should be left in extreme heat, direct sunlight, or allowed to freeze, as this can degrade the active ingredients.

The Cold Truth: Understanding Medication Stability

Proper medication storage is crucial for ensuring a drug's safety and effectiveness. Medications contain active ingredients that can break down when exposed to heat, light, or moisture. This can reduce their potency, making them less effective. For eye drops, improper storage also increases the risk of bacterial contamination, which can be harmful to the eyes.

Room temperature is generally defined as 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Most eye drops are designed to be stable within this temperature range. However, some medications are more sensitive and require refrigeration (typically 2°C to 8°C) to slow down degradation and maintain stability.

The General Rule: Most Eye Drops Don't Need the Fridge

For the majority of common eye drops, such as those for dry eyes or allergies, refrigeration is not required. In fact, some eye drops should not be refrigerated as cold temperatures can affect their formulation. Storing these drops at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a drawer, is generally best. While some people refrigerate standard drops for a cooling sensation, it is not a medical necessity.

Critical Exceptions: When Refrigeration is Mandatory

While many drops are fine at room temperature, certain types and specific medications absolutely require refrigeration. Failing to store these correctly can make them ineffective, posing a risk, especially for managing conditions like glaucoma.

Eye drops that often require refrigeration include:

Certain Glaucoma Drops: This is a common requirement for many prostaglandin analogs used to treat glaucoma. Unopened bottles of medications like Latanoprost (Xalatan®) and Travoprost must be refrigerated to keep them stable until their expiration date.
Some Antibiotic Eye Drops: Certain antibiotic drops, such as Chloramphenicol or compounded antibiotics, may need refrigeration to remain effective and prevent degradation.
Preservative-Free Formulations: Eye drops in single-use vials are often preservative-free. Without preservatives to inhibit bacteria, proper temperature control is crucial to prevent contamination. Some multi-dose preservative-free drops also need refrigeration.
Compounded and Biologic Eye Drops: Medications like autologous serum eye drops, made from a patient's own blood, or other specialized biologic treatments are very sensitive and usually require refrigeration to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Before vs. After Opening: A Crucial Distinction

For many eye drops that need refrigeration, the storage requirements can change after the bottle is opened. For example, Latanoprost (Xalatan®) must be refrigerated when unopened. However, once opened, it can often be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for a limited time, typically up to six weeks. After this period, the medication should be discarded, even if some remains, because its effectiveness can diminish. The preservatives in multi-dose bottles are only active for a certain duration after the sterile seal is broken.

Storage Requirement Comparison


Feature	Refrigeration Required	Room Temperature Storage
Primary Reason	Maintain chemical stability of sensitive ingredients; prevent degradation and bacterial growth in preservative-free formulas.	Formulation is stable within a controlled temperature range (15-25°C); prevents potential damage from cold.
Common Examples	Unopened: Latanoprost (Xalatan), Vyzulta, Zioptan, Rocklatan, Rhopressa. Some antibiotic drops: AzaSite (azithromycin), Chloramphenicol.	Most OTC artificial tears (e.g., Refresh, Systane), allergy drops, and many other prescription drops.
After Opening	Instructions may change. Latanoprost can be kept at room temp for up to 6 weeks after opening. Others may still need refrigeration.	Discard after 28-30 days unless otherwise specified, due to contamination risk.
Incorrect Storage Risk	Loss of medication effectiveness, which is especially dangerous for conditions like glaucoma. Potential for harmful bacterial growth.	Exposure to extreme heat (e.g., in a car) can degrade the medication, reducing its effectiveness and safety.

The Golden Rule: Read the Label and Ask Your Pharmacist

The most important instruction for your medication is on the packaging. The box and patient information leaflet will specify storage requirements, like 'Store in the refrigerator' or 'Store at room temperature between 15-25°C'. Always check this for new prescriptions. If you're uncertain, consult your pharmacist for clear guidance on storing your specific eye drops before and after opening.

Conclusion: A Simple Check for Eye Health

In summary, not all eye drops need to be refrigerated. While most are stable at room temperature, some, particularly for glaucoma, require refrigeration for effectiveness. Storage requirements depend on the ingredients' stability and whether preservatives are present. Incorrect storage can lead to ineffective treatment and risk your eye health. Always read the product label and consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for proper storage instructions. Find more information on eye health from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Frequently Asked Questions

For drops like Latanoprost, being left at room temperature for a short period may not ruin them. Some can be left unrefrigerated for up to 8 days if temperatures don't exceed 104°F (40°C). However, it's best to consult your pharmacist for guidance specific to your medication.

No, this is not recommended. Some eye drops are formulated for room temperature storage only and should never be refrigerated, as the cold can damage the product. Always follow the specific instructions for each medication.

Many manufacturers and experts recommend discarding multi-dose eye drops 28 to 30 days after opening to prevent bacterial contamination, unless the packaging states otherwise. Preservative-free single-use vials should be discarded immediately after use.

Use an insulated cooler bag with a frozen gel pack to transport the medication. Do not place drops directly on ice to avoid freezing. For air travel, keep these medications in your carry-on luggage and inform TSA officers they are medically necessary.

No, the vast majority of OTC eye drops for conditions like dryness or redness do not require refrigeration. They should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Cold eye drops can sometimes cause a stinging or surprising sensation upon application. If this is uncomfortable, you can warm the bottle in your hands for a few minutes before use. The cold does not harm the eye.

Regular eye drops contain preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth for a limited time after opening. Preservative-free drops lack these, making them highly susceptible to contamination. This is why they often come in single-use vials and have much stricter storage and disposal rules.