How long can you use lubricant eye drops?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a person should dispose of opened eye drops with preservatives after 28 days to prevent contamination. This is a critical factor when considering how long can you use lubricant eye drops to ensure safety and effectiveness. However, the duration of use varies significantly based on whether the drops contain preservatives or are designed for single use.

Quick Summary

The lifespan of lubricant eye drops depends on their formulation, with preservative-free single-use vials requiring immediate disposal after use, while multi-dose bottles have a limited shelf life once opened, regardless of the expiration date on the package. Long-term, heavy use of preserved drops can cause irritation, necessitating a switch to preservative-free alternatives, and persistent symptoms should prompt a visit to a medical professional.

Key Points

Preservative-Free Vials: Use immediately after opening and discard any remaining solution.
Preserved Multi-Dose Bottles: Discard most opened bottles after 28 to 30 days, even if some product remains.
Check for Irritation: Limit preserved drops to four times a day; if more are needed, switch to preservative-free to avoid irritation.
Do Not Mask Serious Problems: Prolonged reliance on over-the-counter drops without seeing a doctor could hide an underlying medical condition.
Consult a Professional for Chronic Dry Eye: If you use drops frequently or symptoms persist, see an eye care professional for a long-term solution.

Most lubricant eye drops, also known as artificial tears, are safe for a certain period after being opened. The specific duration depends on whether they contain preservatives, which inhibit bacterial growth, or are preservative-free. Overusing preserved drops can lead to irritation and potentially mask more serious underlying eye conditions. Always check the manufacturer's specific instructions, as these can vary by brand.

The two types of lubricant eye drops

The most important distinction to understand is between preservative-free and preserved drops. This difference determines not only the storage time but also how often they can be used safely.

Preservative-free eye drops

These drops are designed for single use and do not contain chemicals to prevent bacterial growth. They typically come in individual vials, each intended for one application.

Duration of Use: Once a single-use vial is opened, it should be used immediately and any remaining solution should be discarded. The contents of the vial are sterile until opened, and without preservatives, contamination can occur rapidly.
Ideal for: People with sensitive eyes or moderate-to-severe dry eye who need frequent relief (more than four times a day) are best suited for preservative-free drops, as they avoid the potential irritation caused by preservatives.
Considerations: While safer for frequent, long-term use, the cost can be higher, and it is crucial to discard the vial immediately after use to prevent infection.

Preserved multi-dose eye drops

These are more common and come in multi-dose bottles with a built-in preservative, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), to maintain sterility after the bottle is opened.

Duration of Use: Most eye care professionals recommend discarding multi-dose bottles 28 to 30 days after opening, regardless of the expiration date printed on the bottle. The preservatives begin to lose their effectiveness over time once exposed to air, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.
Usage Frequency: The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends using preserved drops no more than four times a day to minimize the risk of eye irritation from the preservatives.
Risks of Overuse: Using preserved drops too frequently or for prolonged periods can lead to eye toxicity, damage the corneal cells, and worsen dry eye symptoms.

Comparison of lubricant eye drops


Feature	Preservative-Free Drops (Single-Use Vials)	Preserved Drops (Multi-Dose Bottles)
Shelf Life (Once Opened)	Discard immediately after a single use.	Discard 28-30 days after opening, or as specified by the manufacturer.
Best For	Frequent, long-term use, sensitive eyes, and after eye surgery (e.g., LASIK).	Occasional use (fewer than four times daily).
Risk of Irritation	Very low, as they lack irritating preservatives.	Higher, especially with frequent or heavy use.
Risk of Contamination	Low if used and discarded properly.	Increases over time as preservatives lose efficacy.
Cost	Often more expensive per dose.	Generally more cost-effective for infrequent use.
Convenience	Less convenient for frequent use due to small, single vials.	More convenient for occasional use, though marking the opening date is wise.

What to do if you need long-term relief

If you find yourself needing lubricant eye drops frequently, it is a sign that your dry eye condition may require more than over-the-counter relief. Overusing eye drops, particularly preserved ones, can create a cycle where your natural tears are washed away or your symptoms rebound, leaving you more reliant on the drops.

Consider the following steps for managing chronic dry eye:

Consult an eye care professional: An ophthalmologist or optometrist can diagnose the root cause of your dry eye and recommend appropriate, long-term treatments. These may include prescription drops (like cyclosporine or lifitegrast) that address inflammation or improve natural tear production.
Switch to preservative-free options: For those who need drops more than four times a day, preservative-free versions are the safest option to avoid further irritation and eye damage.
Explore other formulations: Thicker gels and ointments are available, providing longer-lasting moisture, especially overnight, which can reduce the need for drops during the day.
Adopt lifestyle changes: Environmental factors play a significant role in dry eye. Using a humidifier, wearing wraparound glasses to block wind, and taking breaks from screens can help reduce symptoms.
Stay informed: Always check for FDA recalls and avoid expired products, as they can be less effective and pose a risk of infection.

Conclusion

Knowing how long can you use lubricant eye drops is essential for maintaining eye health and avoiding unnecessary risks. For multi-dose bottles with preservatives, the key rule is to discard them after 28 to 30 days, while single-use, preservative-free vials should be discarded immediately after use. If you need eye drops frequently, especially more than four times daily, or your dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, it is critical to transition to preservative-free formulas and consult an eye care professional to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Besides checking the expiration date on the packaging, look for physical changes. Discard eye drops if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. Also, stop use and replace the bottle if you experience increased eye irritation, burning, or discomfort upon application.

Yes, preservative-free eye drops are generally considered safe for long-term and frequent use, as they lack the chemical preservatives that can cause irritation and damage to the eye's surface over time. They are the recommended choice for moderate-to-severe dry eye that requires frequent applications.

Using expired eye drops poses risks such as reduced effectiveness and bacterial or fungal contamination, which can lead to serious eye infections. Expired drops can also cause increased eye irritation.

You should see an ophthalmologist if your dry eye symptoms are persistent, severe, or do not improve with over-the-counter lubricant eye drops. A professional can help identify the cause and recommend a targeted treatment plan beyond temporary relief.

Yes, overusing eye drops with preservatives can worsen symptoms by causing irritation and even washing away your natural tears. This can lead to a rebound effect where your eyes become more red and irritated when you stop using the drops.

Yes, gel-based or ointment drops are thicker than liquid drops and provide longer-lasting moisture. They are often used at bedtime because they may cause temporary blurry vision, which makes them less suitable for daytime use.

Store eye drops in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Some specialty drops may require refrigeration, so always check the product's storage instructions. Always close the cap tightly after use and avoid contaminating the dropper tip.