Misconceptions on Eye Drops

By Jen Nee Chang

Edited by Jijien and Jordy Wong

Misconception #1

I can use my eye drops after the expiry date

It is not recommended to use any medications after the expiry date or 1 month since the opening of the eyedrop container as its stability might change and the medication may not be effective as before. Besides that, the preservative inside the eyedrop will be ineffective after the expiry date or 1 month since the opening of the eyedrop container. Hence, this will lead to contamination of the eyedrops and usage of the contaminated eyedrops might lead to increased risk of bacterial infection.

For normal eye drops (Systane Ultra, Refresh, Natural Tears and others), it is highly advisable to dispose it 1 month after the opening date even though it is placed in the fridge. There are certain brands of eye drops, namely Optive or Hylo-Comod, are allowed to be kept for 6 months. Hence, it is important to read the consumer’s leaflet or discuss with your pharmacist on anything that you are unsure about.

Misconception #2

I can share my eye drops with anyone

Not everything can be shared especially eye drops as you may accidentally spread your eye infection to someone else. Even though you are unable to finish the whole bottle of your eye drops, disposing it is always the best choice rather than passing it to your family member who have the same condition. Besides that, not all eye drops are meant for the same indication. There are some eye drops that are available with different concentrations, such as Timolol (0.25% and 0.5%) for glaucoma.

*Timolol 0.25% eye drop is not available in Malaysia.

Misconception #3

The more I drop the drops into my eye, it more it will absorb

The recommended drops for normal eye drops are usually 2-3 drops every 3-4 hours or when necessary. There is no point for you to drop half the bottle at one go as your eye does not have such huge storage capacity and it will go to a waste from dripping down to your face. However, please use the medicated eye drops according to the instructions from the pharmacists or your physician because medicated eye drops may have a different instruction compared to the normal moisturizing eye drops.

Misconception #4

I can store my eyedrops anywhere I want

All medications has its own storage stability. In case you haven’t noticed about it, most medications are recommended to be placed away from direct sunlight or hot places such as the car or in the kitchen. As for eyedrops, it is best to be placed in a cool place or in a refrigerator. Please follow the instructions on the eye drop container.

Misconception #5

I can just use normal lubricant eye drops for itchy eyes

There are many causes for itchy eyes. It can be due to bacterial infection or allergies. Lubricant eye drops, namely Eye Glo or Optrex, are basically for normal tired or to refresh the eyes. Those lubricant-type eye drops are not medicated.

Meanwhile, medicated eye drops, such as Naphcon A, is suitable for itchy and redness in the eye. Naphcon A, containing pheniramine which is topical antihistamine (an agent to reduce allergic response, such as itchiness) and naphazoline which is a vasoconstrictor (an agent to narrow the eye blood vessels to reduce eye redness). However, it is important to remember that red eyes with itchiness are not necessary only caused by allergic responses. Hence, Naphcon A might not be useful in all types of patients with both red and itchy eyes.

If you experience matting of your eyelid especially when you wake up in the morning, having swollen eyelid or yellowish discharge from the eye, it is highly due to bacterial infection. You will need antibiotic eye ointments such as Terramycin ointment or Chloramphenicol ointment during the night time. The reason why it is recommended to use during the night is because it may cause blurring of your vision. Antibiotics eyedrops on the other hand such as the Nicol (Chloramphenicol) or Xepanicol (Chloramphenicol) eye drops can be used throughout the day because it is usually not associated with blurriness of the eyes.

Misconception #6

It is okay for me to apply the eye drops while wearing contact lens

Generally, all the medicated eye drops must not be used while wearing contact lens. However, there are only certain brands of non-medicated MOISTURIZING eye drops that are compatible with contact lens. Hence, it is very important to read the labels of the eye drops on whether it is compatible with your lens.

If your eye(s) is/are itchy or dry due to long period from wearing your contact lens, it is best for you to remove your lens before placing your eye drops. Contact lens also will prevent the absorption of the eyedrops.

If you are diagnosed with bacterial eye infections, it is necessary to dispose or throw away your current contact lens because your current contact lens are contaminated. Besides that, it is advisable that contact lens should not be worn until the eye infections are gotten rid of.

*Important note* for EVERYONE:

Do not use or apply any medicated eye drops/ointment without consulting to the pharmacists/ophthalmologist/your physician.

Precaution: look at the label of the bottle, many mistaken ear drops for eye drops.

Proper steps on how to apply eye drops:

1. Before using the eye drops, make sure your hands are clean by washing your hands with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean towel.
2. While tilting your head back and look up, pull the lower lid of your eye down with one hand while holding the eye drops bottle or tube in your other hand (you may rest your hand on your forehead to keep it steady).
3. Place one eye drop or a small amount (about ⅓ length of your lower lid) of ointment inside your lower lid. The tip of the medicine bottle or tube should not touch your eye.
4. Blink and dab away the excess eye drop fluid with a tissue. For eye ointment, close your eyes and move the eyeball up and down few times before open eyes.
5. If you are prescribed both eye drops and eye ointment, use the eye drops first, otherwise the ointment may block the absorption of the eye drops.
6. If you have more than one type of eye drop to put in your eyes, wait about five minutes after the first medicine before putting in the second eye drop medicine.
7. Keeping the eyes closed (without continued blinking) for a few minutes may allow better penetration of the medication.

If symptom persists for more than 3 days, please consult your ophthalmologist (eye doctor).