Tag: Bacterial contamination

A 2022 research review showed that about 24% of multi-use eye drop bottles become contaminated when used for more than one week [1.7.1]. So, can you use eye drops past 30 days safely? The answer depends on several critical factors.

In 2023, contaminated over-the-counter eye drops were linked to over 80 infections, 14 cases of vision loss, and even four deaths [1.9.1]. This highlights a crucial question: What happens if you use eye drops after 30 days of opening? The answer involves risks of contamination and reduced effectiveness [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overseen the recall of dozens of over-the-counter eye drop products, raising consumer concerns [1.5.1]. This environment of heightened scrutiny leads many to ask: **Has Refresh eye drops been recalled?**

In 2025, the largest eye drop recall in U.S. history affected 1.8 million products, highlighting a critical safety issue [1.2.2]. This guide answers: What eye drops for dry eyes have been recalled, and how can you protect your vision?

In recent years, contaminated over-the-counter eye drops have been linked to over 80 infections, 14 cases of vision loss, and even four deaths [1.8.1, 1.8.3]. This highlights the critical importance of knowing if your eye drops are safe for use. So, how do you know if eye drops are still good?

Using contaminated eye drops can lead to vision-threatening infections [1.4.1]. So, **how long do open eye drops last**? The answer is critical for preventing serious eye infections, as most multi-dose bottles should be discarded 28 to 30 days after opening [1.2.1, 1.3.6].

Studies on multi-dose ophthalmic solutions have found bacterial contamination rates ranging from as low as 2% to as high as 70% [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. Knowing how to tell if eye drops have gone bad is crucial for preventing serious eye infections and ensuring treatment effectiveness.

Studies have shown that used eye drop containers can have contamination rates ranging from 2% to as high as 72.8%, depending on various factors [1.9.2, 1.9.3]. This significant risk of contamination is a primary reason behind the guidance on why to discard eye drops after 90 days, or often sooner, to prevent serious eye infections.

Since 1979, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required expiration dates on all prescription and over-the-counter medicines [1.5.2]. For eye care, this date is a crucial safety measure, so **is it safe to use eye drops that expired 5 years ago?** The definitive answer is no.

Most experts agree that multi-dose eye drops should be thrown away within one month (28-30 days) after opening [1.3.3, 1.2.6]. This strict guideline exists primarily to protect your eyes from harmful contamination and ensure the medication remains effective. So, why do eye drops have to be discarded after 4 weeks?