Can You Use Expired Eye Drops?

It's Not a Great Idea—Here’s Why

Quick answer: No, you shouldn’t use expired eye drops.

It might feel harmless to grab an old bottle off the shelf, but using expired eye drops can actually be a bad idea. Even if they look okay, they might not be. Once they pass their expiry date, eye drops can lose effectiveness—or worse, grow bacteria. And yeah, putting that in your eye is just asking for trouble.

Still wondering, “Can I use expired eye drops just once?” We get it. Let’s dig into why it’s not safe, what could happen if you already used some, and when it’s time to just toss the bottle and get a new one.

What happens if you use expired eye drops?

Okay, so here’s what could go down if you use out-of-date eye drops.

Even unopened bottles can lose their chemical stability over time. Once opened, though, the risk is way higher. The preservatives stop working after a while, and that opens the door for bacteria, fungus, and other nasties to settle in.

Some possible side effects of expired eye drops:

🚨 Burning or stinging
🚨 Itchy or red eyes
🚨 Blurred vision
🚨 Watery discharge
🚨 Swollen eyelids
🚨 Eye infections

If you're asking, “Is it bad to use expired eye drops?”—yeah, it can be, especially if the bottle's been open for more than a month or stored in a warm or humid place.

Are expired eye drops safe if they’re unopened?

People often assume that sealed = safe. Not always true. Even unopened eye drops can break down chemically over time. The medication might not do its job anymore, or worse, it could irritate your eyes. So, nope—expired is expired, whether it’s opened or not.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “but they look fine.” You don’t want to gamble when it comes to your eyes.

Is it OK to use expired eye drops if there’s nothing else around?

We get that sometimes you just need something right away—itchy, dry, red eyes and nothing in the cabinet except an old bottle from last year. Still, don’t risk it. The side effects of expired eye drops are just not worth it.

If you’re really stuck, give Sanford Pharmacy a call. We can help you figure out what to do, or even get you something same-day if you’re nearby.

What to do if you used expired eye drops by mistake

Already used them and just noticed the date? First off, don’t panic. A single dose of expired eye drops doesn’t automatically mean you’ll end up with an infection. But it’s smart to be on the lookout for signs your eyes aren’t loving it.

Here’s what you can do:

Stop using the drops immediately

📌 Rinse your eye gently with clean water if it feels irritated
📌 Watch for symptoms – burning, redness, blurred vision, or discharge
📌 If anything feels off, check in with your pharmacist or doctor

It’s better to be cautious than to wait and hope it gets better. And again, Sanford Pharmacy is always around if you need advice fast.

How to know if your eye drops are expired (even if the label’s faded)

Not all bottles have clear labels, and boxes get tossed fast. Here’s how to figure it out:

🔹 Look for an expiration date on the bottle, usually printed near the bottom
🔹 Check the liquid – if it looks cloudy, discolored, or has floaty bits, toss it
🔹 Smell it – yeah, weird, but if it smells funky, it’s probably bad
🔹 Think about when you opened it – most drops should be tossed 30 days after opening
🔹 Still unsure? Bring it to Sanford Pharmacy. We’ll take a look and tell you if it’s safe or not—no pressure.

Why sterile eye products have strict expiration rules

Unlike a bottle of lotion or a box of cereal, eye drops go directly into your body through your eye—a super sensitive, bacteria-prone area. Once the preservative system breaks down (which happens with time), the drops aren’t sterile anymore.

That’s why "can you use expired eye drops" isn’t just a casual question—it’s a safety issue. When drops are no longer sterile, you’re risking infections that can mess with your vision or even cause permanent damage.

Tips to keep your drops safe and effective

Let’s be real—eye drops can be expensive. If you want them to last as long as they should (without going bad early), here’s what to do:

✔️ Store them in a cool, dry spot (not your hot car or steamy bathroom)
✔️ Don’t touch the dropper tip to anything—not your eye, not your hand
✔️ Tightly close the cap after each use
✔️ Write the open date on the bottle so you remember when 30 days is up
✔️ Don’t share your drops with anyone

So... should you throw them out?

If you’re still wondering “can I use expired eye drops just this once?” — the safest move is to get a new bottle. Especially if they’re medicated drops, or if your eyes are sensitive.

Tossing out an old $8 bottle might save you from a $200 eye doctor visit later on. Doesn’t seem so wasteful when you think about it that way, right?

At Sanford Pharmacy, we always make sure the products we stock are fresh, properly stored, and well within expiry. Whether you need allergy drops, redness relievers, or prescription-strength treatments, we’ve got your back.

Final Thoughts

Using expired eye drops might feel harmless, but it’s just not worth the risk. They can cause irritation, infections, and worse—especially if they’ve been open for a while or stored wrong. When in doubt, don’t use them.

Have questions or need a safe, reliable replacement? Sanford Pharmacy is here for you. Stop by or call anytime—we’ll help you find exactly what your eyes need, and nothing they don’t.