Do you know if your eye drops have to be refrigerated? If not, you're not alone. A lot of people don't know that some eye drops must be kept cold in order to remain effective. In this blog post, we will talk about the benefits of keeping your eye drops cold and why you should make sure to store them in the fridge. We will also discuss some common eye issues and treatments so that you can be better informed about how to take care of your eyes!

The human eye is a delicate organ that needs care and attention when adjusting to new medications. Eye drops are applied directly onto the surface of your eyes in small amounts, usually with one single drop being used at a time for each affected eye until all symptoms have been alleviated.

Keep eye drops cool with 4AllFamily's travel coolers

Related article: Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?

Some of the Most Common Eye Diseases That Can Be Treated With Drops Include: 

  • Dry eye is a very common condition that can be caused by a number of different things, including dehydration, certain medications, and even aging. Symptoms of dry eye include itching, burning, redness, and excessive tearing. Treatment for dry eye typically includes the use of artificial tears or ointments to help lubricate the eyes and prevent further irritation. Allergies: 

  • Allergies are another common issue that can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the eyes. Allergic reactions can be triggered by a variety of things, such as dust, pollen, animal dander, and even certain foods. If you suffer from allergies, you may experience symptoms like itchiness, swelling, redness, and tearing. Treatment for allergies typically includes the use of antihistamines or corticosteroids. Conjunctivitis: 

  • Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergies, or even irritants like smoke or dust. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itchiness, discharge, and crusting around the eyes. Treatment for pink eye typically includes the use of antibiotic drops or ointments. Glaucoma: 

  • Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. It is often associated with high intraocular pressure, which is why treatment typically includes the use of drops that help to lower pressure in the eye. Symptoms of glaucoma include blurry vision, halos around lights, and pain in the eye. If you think you may be suffering from glaucoma, it is important to see an ophthalmologist right away for a complete evaluation. As you can see, there are a number of different conditions that can be treated with eye drops.

While it is true that artificial tears can be used in place of your normal drop, or cool drop, you should only do so if instructed by your doctor.

There are a few reasons why it’s important to keep your eye drops cold. First, when stored at a lower temperature, the active ingredients in the drops are more stable and less likely to break down. This means that they will be more effective in treating your condition. Second, cold eye drops can help to soothe irritated eyes and provide relief from symptoms like itchiness and redness. And lastly, storing your eye drops in the fridge can help them to last longer – most brands recommend using them within two weeks of opening, but if you keep them cold, they may be effective for up to six months. So if you want to get the most out of your eye drops, make sure to store them in the fridge!

The major concern when you are traveling and don't have access to a fridge you can easily use the 4AllFamily Coolers.

Eye drop case coolers for travels

Why Do You Keep Eye Drops in the Fridge?

There are a few reasons why it’s important to keep most eye drops cold.

First, when stored at a lower temperature, the active ingredients in the drops are more stable and less likely to break down. This means that they will be more effective in treating your condition and eye properly.

Second, cold eye drops can help to soothe irritated eyes and provide relief from symptoms like itchiness and redness.

And lastly, storing your eye drops in the fridge can help them to last longer – most brands recommend using them within two weeks of opening, but if you keep them cold, they may be effective for up to a longer period.

So if you want to get the most out of your eye drops, make sure to store them in the fridge!

Not all eye drops need to be refrigerated, but if you’re not sure whether or not your particular brand should be, it’s always best to check the label or ask your doctor.

In conclusion, there are a number of benefits to keeping your eye drops cold. Cold eye drops are more effective and can help to soothe irritated eyes. They also last longer when stored in the fridge – most brands that manufacture eye drops, certain glaucoma medications, and ophthalmic medications recommend using them within two weeks of opening, but if you keep them cold, they may be effective for a longer time.

Related article: Is Flying With Glaucoma Safe?

Must Xalatan (Latanoprost) Be Stored in the Fridge?

Store your Xalatan in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.

The best places are often right next to other medications that also need refrigeration or inside containers with archival sealants on them so they don't sweat through.

The manufacturer cautions that an unopened bottle of latanoprost should be stored under refrigeration to stabilize the chemical structure. Opened bottles may only stay at room temperatures (up 24-25 degrees) for 6 weeks in Europe and America.

Related article: Why You Should Use Latanoprost at Night?

Does Dorzolamide (Timolol) Need to Be Refrigerated?

Timolol is a type of medication that should be refrigerated according to the manufacturer. Timolol is a very powerful drug and should be stored carefully. It will stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature, but it's best if you store them in the refrigerator to ensure their safety. 

Related article: How to Travel With Refrigerated Medications?

Does Combigan Need to Be Stored in the Fridge?

According to the manufacturer, users should keep Combigan eye drops at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze them. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you're not using it, so they don't spill or break. Combigan is best stored in the refrigerator.  Do not leave it out for too long or else your medication will expire and lose its effectiveness.

Does Lumigan (Bimatoprost) Need to Be Refrigerated?

Lumigan is an eye drop that must be refrigerated. 

Lumigan should not come into contact with either air or heat, so it's best to keep them in the fridge where they'll stay fresh for longer. According to the producer, people should store this medicine in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it to avoid any unwanted contact with moisture or heat sources. These may introduce instability into its contents and change how well they work for you and possibly create an adverse reaction.

Does Travatan Z (Travoprost) Have to Be Refrigerated?

Store your Travatan eye drops in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. It is not necessary to store them anywhere else. Do not freeze as this may cause damage. Make sure they are always at room temperature before use.

Does Alphagan (Brimonidine Tartrate) Have to Be in the Fridge?

Keep your Brimonidine eye drops in a cool place where the temperature stays below 25°C. In order to preserve its effectiveness, it is best not to freeze.

Must Vyzulta (Latanoprostene Bunod) Be Stored in the Fridge?

According to the manufacturer, users should store opened bottles in the refrigerator to ensure their quality. You can keep them there for 8 weeks once they've been opened, but make sure not too much light gets through.

Related article: How to Ship Insulin, Eye Drops, or Other Refrigerated Drugs?

Does Keeping Your Eye Drops in the Fridge Help?

Evidence suggests that otc eye drops or prescription eye drops that need refrigeration sure have the benefit of being stored that way, but check with your eye doctor to see if it is necessary. If you have allergies or other sensitivities in your blood vessels, refrigeration may help reduce the risk of irritation from preservatives in the drops.

Also, keeping them cold can help soothe irritated eyes by a cooling sensation with the first drop. If you're using glaucoma medication or other ophthalmic medications, storing them in the fridge keeps them away from extremely high temperatures and may help prolong their effectiveness.

Related article: Can You Bring Eye Drops on The Plane?

What Eye Drops Should Not Be Stored in the Fridge?

There are some eye drops that don't need to be refrigerated, but they may have a shorter shelf life. For example, over-the-counter artificial tears can last for about six months unrefrigerated. But if you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them.

Other medications that don't need to be refrigerated include:

  • Systane (lubricating eye drops)

  • Refresh Tears (lubricant eye drops)

  • Blink Contacts (lubricant eye drops for contact lenses)

  • Soothe XP (lubricant/redness reliever eye drops)

How Long Are Eye Drops Good for?

Eye drops usually expire about one to two years after the manufacturing date.

Putting eye drops in the fridge will not extend their expiration date, but it may help to store them at room temperature for a more extended period of time.

Your eye drop bottle should be refrigerated after first use. Do not use them past their expiration date or within three months since opening up that first bottle. 

They typically last around 30 days when stored in this manner, but the time will vary depending on how you're storing them and what the manufacturer is recommending.

Related article: Can Diabetes Cause Glaucoma?

Conclusion

Some eye drops should be used immediately after opening and refrigerated. They typically last around 30 days when stored in this manner, but the time will vary depending on how you're storing them and on the brand.

April 28, 2022

Comments

4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:

Hi Andrea,
According to the manufacturer, Systane eye products should not be refrigerated. They must be stored at room temperature (15-30C). I have not found any information whether refrigeration could provide a more soothing effect, so I would invite you to contact the manufacturer or your pharmacy.
Happy life to your bunny!
Best regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team

Andrea said:

Systane lubricant eye gel. Liquid gel drops
soothing eye relief. Vet recommended for my Bunny using Systane Lubricant gel drops soothing eye reliefs 1x a day, 1 drop in each eye until the next vet appointment for my bunny in 1 month. Do or would it be better to refrigerate the 2 bottles of systane lubricant eye gel drops soothing eye relief to keep it fresh, last longer and more soothing to and for eye relief for my bunny? Any other recommendations for storing systane eye gel drops to last and how long can it last? I just purchased them today January 31, 2023. Happy and healthy Rabbit New Year to all bunnies to live a full and happy life. God bless those of u who care about the health and lives of our bunnies. God bless all of u who do.

4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:

Hi Angie,
It depends what eye drops you’re using. Please send us the brand name or carefully read the storage instructions that should be provided within the package.
All the best,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team

Angie said:

My eye surgery is month from now but my eye drops imprimis was delivered today so my question is can I keep in the fridge for now?

4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:

Hi Marianne,
Our team is not medical, so we’re not able to provide medical advice regarding how to use and administer specific medications.
We’d recommend you ask for a doctor’s advice on that point.
All the best,

Marianne Yancey said:

Can lubricating eye drops be used along with ophthalmic timolol…how long after using the timolol drops?

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