What happens if you use expired eye drops?

Eye drops are a staple in many people’s medicine cabinets, and for good reason. They provide quick relief for dry eyes, allergies or infections. But what happens when you inadvertently use expired eye drops?

Well, let me tell you from experience: the results can be hilarious! (Unless, of course, you have an allergic reaction) In this article we will explore the potential consequences of using expired eye drops and why it’s probably best to just toss them out.

What Happens When You Use Expired Eye Drops?

Short answer: nothing too catastrophic. However, there are some notable side effects that come from using expired eye drops.

Firstly, they may not work as effectively as their un-expired counterparts since the active ingredients may have started to break down over time. This can lead to reduced effectiveness in combating dryness or relieving rednesss; instead your blurry vision is gonna get all muddled up – 100% guaranteed.

But wait…there’s more!

Using old eyedrops can further introduce bacteria into your body which could cause anything from conjunctivitis (pink-eye) to a sty (a painful lump under/in/around your eyelid). Like I said earlier folks – Catastrophic !

If reading that doesn’t scare you enough then picture this:

You are at work trying to finish important tasks before deadline while battling with tired eyes because sleep deprivation has taken its toll on your system /but you need the money so much!!/. You reach for a bottle of generic brand contact lens solution spray only to realize TOO LATE that it had expiration date two years ago…and boom! One hour later everything gets super blurry than usual 🤓 Trust me friend…not fun!

How Long Can You Keep Your Eye Drops Before They Expire?

The duration based on how long you should use the eye drop after opening should be clearly marked on the packaging .It’s generally between one to three months, but may vary according to specific brands.

If for any reason you are unable to find this information or if simply guessing, using older unopened bottles of solution from your cabinet…it’s time to switch it up and buy a new bottle instead. Remember that ‘Hindsight is always 20/20’ so next expiry date – just toss those old drops out!

How Can You Tell If Eye Drops Are Expired?

So you’ve forgotten how long ago you opened that bottle of Dry Eyes Relief Gel (you know, because reading fine print isn’t really your thing…) except now let panic mode set in – “what do I do?!”

But fear not! Just follow these easy steps:

  1. Check the expiration date: pretty straightforward method
  2. Color changes:
    • Some drops might become yellowish/brownish over time
  3. Texture change:
    • It thickens gradually until finally becoming too viscous making squeezing near impossible.

You can also tell something is wrong with your eyedrops by examining their smell; often they will have a stale odor if they are no longer good.

Conclusion

As amusing as the side effects from expired eye drops can be, it’s best practice not to experience them at all costs avoidable , Use fresh medication only when needed without contaminating existing container /bottles/ containing remaining medicine…

In conclusion when using eye medication always read instructions carefully make sure not expired check color texture even sniff test it ! ’cause we surely don’t want anybody walking around looking like a pirate with pink eye patch because some cheap ole’ generic brand decided extending shelf life was more important than quality assurance 😄

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