When Should You Not Use Eye Drops? A Guide to Contraindications

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent FDA warnings have led to recalls of over 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to infection risks [1.8.1]. This highlights the importance of knowing when you should not use eye drops to protect your vision and eye health.

Quick Summary

Using eye drops may seem harmless, but certain symptoms, medical conditions, and product issues make it unsafe. Understand key contraindications, the dangers of misuse, and critical red flags that require seeing a doctor instead.

Key Points

Severe Symptoms: Do not use drops for severe pain, vision changes, or discharge; see a doctor immediately [1.2.1].
Underlying Conditions: Avoid decongestant drops with narrow-angle glaucoma and be cautious with other medical issues like asthma or heart conditions [1.13.1, 1.3.2].
Infections: Using the wrong drop, like a steroid for a fungal infection, can significantly worsen the condition [1.14.2].
Product Integrity: Never use expired or shared eye drops due to the high risk of bacterial contamination and infection [1.11.3, 1.12.2].
Rebound Redness: Avoid long-term use of redness-relieving drops, as they can make eye redness worse over time [1.13.3].
Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using most eye drops unless they are specifically marked as safe for use with contacts [1.9.1].
Allergic Reactions: Stop use if you experience itching, swelling, or increased irritation, which could signal an allergy to preservatives or other ingredients [1.10.3].

Critical Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Instead of Using Drops

While over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can provide temporary relief for minor irritation, they can mask serious problems [1.4.1]. You should avoid using eye drops and seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Sudden Vision Changes or Loss: This includes blurring that doesn't clear up quickly [1.5.3].
Severe Eye Pain: Drops should not cause significant pain; this could signal a serious infection or injury [1.12.1].
Discharge from the Eye: Green, yellow, or even clear discharge can be a sign of a bacterial infection that requires prescription treatment [1.12.1].
Increased Light Sensitivity (Photophobia): This is a common symptom of a serious eye infection [1.12.1].
A Physical Injury or Foreign Body in the Eye: Do not attempt to self-treat an eye injury [1.3.1].
Cloudy Appearance of the Eye or Unusually Shaped Pupils: These symptoms warrant an immediate professional diagnosis [1.3.1].

Medical & Situational Contraindications

Using the wrong eye drops with certain pre-existing conditions can be dangerous. It's crucial to know when drops are not the right choice.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain Types of Glaucoma: Redness-relieving (decongestant) eye drops can be dangerous for people with narrow-angle glaucoma, as they can worsen the condition and create a medical emergency [1.13.1]. Even some medicated drops, like β-blockers, are contraindicated for patients with asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, or certain heart conditions [1.3.2].
Active Eye Infections: Using the wrong kind of drop can make an infection much worse. For example, steroid eye drops suppress the eye's immune response and should not be used for viral or fungal infections as they can worsen the condition [1.14.2].
Allergies to Ingredients: Many eye drops contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which can cause allergic reactions, irritation, and even worsen dry eye symptoms with long-term use [1.7.4, 1.10.3]. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, and redness [1.10.1].

Situational Risks

While Wearing Most Contact Lenses: Unless the product is specifically labeled as a "rewetting drop" or "for use with contacts," you should remove your lenses before application [1.9.1, 1.9.3]. Preservatives in regular drops can bind to the lens, causing irritation and discoloration [1.9.1]. Medicated drops and redness-relievers should not be used with contacts in [1.9.3].
After Eye Surgery: Following procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery, only use the specific drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist to avoid irritation and support proper healing [1.7.1].

Product-Specific Issues to Avoid

Not all drops are safe, and how they are handled matters immensely. The FDA has issued multiple warnings and recalls for OTC eye drops due to risks of bacterial contamination and lack of sterility [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

Dangers of Misuse & Contamination

Expired Drops: Do not use expired eye drops. After the expiration date, the preservatives lose their effectiveness, creating a risk of bacterial growth that can lead to serious eye infections [1.11.2, 1.11.3]. The active ingredients also lose potency, making them ineffective [1.11.3].
Sharing Eye Drops: Never share eye drops with another person. This practice can easily transfer bacteria and viruses, leading to dangerous infections like conjunctivitis [1.2.4, 1.12.3].
Using Redness-Relieving Drops Long-Term: Decongestant eye drops (e.g., those containing tetrahydrozoline) work by constricting blood vessels. With overuse, this can lead to a phenomenon called "rebound redness," where the eyes become even redder once the drops wear off [1.2.2, 1.13.3]. They should not be used for more than a few days [1.2.2].
Using Steroid Drops Improperly: Long-term or incorrect use of steroid eye drops can lead to severe side effects, including the development of cataracts, increased eye pressure (glaucoma), thinning of the cornea, and a higher risk of secondary infections [1.14.1].

Comparison: Medicated vs. Lubricating Eye Drops

Understanding the different types of drops is key to using them safely.


Feature	Medicated Drops (e.g., for Glaucoma, Allergies, Infections)	Lubricating Drops (Artificial Tears)
Primary Purpose	Treat a specific, diagnosed medical condition [1.5.1].	Provide moisture and relieve symptoms of dryness and general irritation [1.4.1].
Regulation	Often require a prescription, though some (like allergy drops) are OTC [1.4.1].	Typically available over-the-counter (OTC) [1.5.2].
Active Ingredients	Varies widely: antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, beta-blockers, etc. [1.4.1, 1.10.2].	Lubricants like carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, or hyaluronic acid [1.8.3, 1.7.1].
Key Risk	Using the wrong medication for your condition can cause significant harm [1.14.2].	Overuse can wash away natural tears or cause irritation, especially if they contain preservatives [1.4.4].
Usage Guidance	Use exactly as prescribed by a doctor for a specific duration [1.5.1].	Can be used as needed, but chronic use warrants a doctor's visit to diagnose the underlying cause [1.2.3].

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Professional Advice

Eye drops are medications that carry real risks. Never use them to treat serious symptoms like severe pain or vision loss; see a doctor immediately [1.2.1]. Always avoid using expired or shared drops to prevent infection [1.11.2, 1.12.2]. Be wary of long-term use of redness-relieving drops, which can cause rebound effects [1.13.3]. If you have underlying health conditions like glaucoma or are wearing contact lenses, be extra vigilant about the type of drops you use [1.13.1, 1.9.1]. When in doubt, consulting an eye care professional is the safest course of action to ensure you are treating your eyes correctly and not masking a more serious issue.

For more information on eye drop safety and recalls, you can visit the FDA's official page on the topic. [1.2.1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Using expired eye drops is risky because they may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious eye infections. The active ingredients also lose their effectiveness, meaning they won't treat your condition properly [1.11.3].

No, you should not use redness-relieving drops for more than a few days. Frequent use can lead to "rebound redness," a condition where your eyes become even redder after the drops wear off [1.2.2, 1.13.3].

Only if the drops are specifically labeled "for use with contact lenses" or as "rewetting drops." Other drops, especially those with preservatives or medications, can damage the lenses and irritate your eyes [1.9.1, 1.9.3].

Symptoms of an allergy to eye drops include increased redness, itching, swelling of the eyelids, a burning sensation, and watery discharge [1.10.1, 1.10.2]. If you experience these, stop using the drops and consult a doctor.

Sharing eye drops is a primary way to transmit bacteria and viruses from one person's eye to another. This can lead to serious infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) [1.2.4, 1.12.3].

Preservative-free eye drops are recommended for people with sensitive eyes, severe dry eye, or those who need to use drops frequently (more than 4-6 times a day). They are also a better choice for contact lens wearers and post-surgery patients as they cause less irritation [1.7.1, 1.7.4].

If your eye condition worsens or you develop new symptoms like pain, discharge, or vision changes after using eye drops, stop using them immediately and contact an eye doctor [1.2.1].