What is the shelf life of eye drops? What are the hazards of expired eye drops?

Eye drops are used by many people. They can relieve eye fatigue. What is the shelf life of these eye drops? What are the dangers of expired eye drops?

What is the shelf life of eye drops?

The shelf life of eye drops generally refers to the time they can be stored in a cool, dry environment and if they are not opened. Unopened eye drops generally have a shelf life of 1-3 years, but once opened, it is best for patients to use them up within one month. Most eye drops contain preservatives, and once opened, the eye drops come into contact with air, the liquid will easily deteriorate or lose its efficacy. Using them for too long can easily make the eyes susceptible to infection.

What are the dangers of expired eye drops?

Generally, eye drops contain preservatives. Once the eye drops are expired, the ingredients in the medicine have undergone oxidation reaction. In the process of use, they are easily contaminated by human tears and microorganisms in the air, which will cause bacteria to multiply. After the human body uses expired eye drops, the eyes are prone to infection, which can lead to symptoms such as corneal ulcers, eye lesions, and eye inflammation.

Eye drops cannot be used after they have expired because the ingredients contained in them have undergone oxidation reactions. Not only are they ineffective, but they can also easily cause eye allergies in patients, and in severe cases, toxicity may occur.