Eye Drop Storage Guide: Do Your Eye Drops Need to Be Refrigerated to Stay Effective?

Quick Answer: Some eye drops, especially preservative-free or sensitive formulations like Latanoprost and Rocklatan, must be refrigerated to stay effective. Others can be stored at room temperature. Always check the label or consult your pharmacist to ensure proper storage and maintain the medication's safety and potency.

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 which eyes drops must be refrigerated, why, and how to store them correctly.

Related article: Can I Bring Eye Drops on a Plane? What You Need to Know!

Why Do Some Eye Drops Need to Be Refrigerated?

Eye drops are a crucial component in the management and treatment of various eye conditions, including glaucoma, dry eye, allergies, conjunctivitis, and others.

But improper storage conditions, and especially temperatures of your eye drops can significantly affect their efficacy and safety.

Eye drop storage temperatures

The need for refrigeration is mainly due to the ingredients in certain eye drops. Here's why and how to store them properly:

• Preservative-free formulations often require a cool environment to:

  • Maintain stability

  • Prevent bacterial growth

  • Extend shelf life

  • Preserve therapeutic properties until expiration

• Eye drops with sensitive compounds can degrade at higher temperatures. Refrigeration helps:

  • Prevent breakdown of active ingredients

  • Ensure each dose remains safe and effective

• Recommended refrigeration temperature for these types:

  • 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F)

• Additional benefits of cold eye drops, depending on your condition and doctor's advice:

  • Reduce itching and swelling in allergic conjunctivitis

  • Soothe irritation from environmental exposure

  • Provide a refreshing sensation for dry eyes

• Storage for non-refrigerated eye drops:

  • Should be kept between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

  • This temperature range helps maintain safety and effectiveness

• Important general storage tips:

  • Avoid extreme temperatures (both hot and cold)

  • Keep away from direct sunlight

  • Improper storage can alter the drop's chemical structure and efficacy

Which Eye Drops Need to Be Refrigerated?

As noted earlier, not every type of eye drop requires refrigeration. Below, we outline specific storage guidelines for several commonly used eye drops. However, it's crucial to consult the specific storage instructions provided with your eye drops to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety. Always refer to the packaging or accompanying leaflet for precise details and follow the storage instructions.

Should Latanoprost (Xalatan) be refrigerated?

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is commonly used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension by managing intraocular pressure. Here's how to store it correctly:

• Before opening:

  • Store in the refrigerator

  • Ideal temperature: 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F)

  • Refrigeration preserves the active ingredients and prevents contamination

• After opening:

  • Can be stored at room temperature, up to 25°C (77°F)

  • Must be used within six weeks

Proper storage ensures the medication stays potent, effective, and safe to use throughout its intended shelf life.

Related article: Why Use Latanoprost at Night?

Should you refrigerate Systane eye drops?

Systane eye drops are commonly used to relieve dry eye symptoms, and it does not require refrigeration. Here's how to store it properly:

• Storage temperature:

  • Keep at room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

  • Store away from direct sunlight and heat

• Why this matters:

  • Room temperature helps maintain the drop's viscosity

  • Ensures proper application and overall effectiveness

Following these guidelines helps keep Systane safe and comfortable to use.

Do Combigan eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Combigan eye drops, are used to treat glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure, and it does not require refrigeration. Here's how to store it correctly:

• Storage temperature:

  • Keep at controlled room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

  • Store away from light

• Why proper storage matters:

  • Maintains the stability of active ingredients:

    • Brimonidine tartrate

    • Timolol maleate

  • Ensures the drops retain their pressure-reducing effects

• After opening:

  • Use within 28 days

  • Avoid extreme temperatures to preserve effectiveness

Do Refresh eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Refresh lubricant eye drops are designed to relieve dry eye symptoms and do not require refrigeration. Follow these storage tips:

• Storage temperature:

  • Keep at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F)

• Important precautions:

  • Do not expose to high temperatures

  • Keep away from direct sunlight

• Why it matters:

  • Excessive heat or light can alter the formulation, reducing effectiveness

Do Timolol eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Timolol eye drops, sold under brand names like Eysano, Timoptol, Tiopex, Timoptic, and others, are used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. Here's how to store them:

• Refrigeration:

  • Not required in most cases

• Storage guidelines:

  • Store at room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

  • Keep away from light and moisture

  • Proper storage helps maintain stability and effectiveness over time

• Important note:

  • Different brands may have different formulations or preservatives

  • Always check the packaging or product leaflet for exact instructions

Do Travatan eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Travatan Z (travoprost), is used to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients. Here's how to store it properly:

• Storage temperature range:

  • Can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature

  • Recommended range: 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F)

• Important precaution:

  • Do not expose to temperatures above 25°C (77°F) - even briefly

• Why it matters:

  • Staying within the safe range preserves the effectiveness of the medication

Do Lumigan (Bimatoprost) eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Lumigan eye drops (bimatoprost), are used to treat glaucoma and high eye pressure, and do not require refrigeration. Follow these storage guidelines:

• Storage temperature:

  • Store at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

  • Never expose to temperatures above 25°C (77°F)

• Storage precautions:

  • Keep away from light and moisture

  • Always ensure the cap is tightly closed after use to prevent contamination

• Why it matters:

  • These conditions help maintain the stability of bimatoprost, the active ingredient

  • Ensures the drops remain effective until the expiration date

Do Moxifloxacin eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Moxifloxacin eye drops, are used to treat bacterial eye infections and do not require refrigeration. Here's how to store them correctly:

• Storage temperature:

  • Keep at a controlled room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

• Storage precautions:

  • Store away from direct light and moisture

  • Always keep the bottle tightly closed after each use

• Why it matters:

  • Proper storage helps preserve the efficacy of the antibiotic

  • Reduces the risk of contamination

• After treatment:

  • Follow the disposal instructions provided

  • Discard by the expiration date

Do Prednisolone eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Prednisolone eye drops, are steroid medications used to reduce inflammation and manage eye irritation. They're sold in the USA under brand names like AK-Pred, Econopred Plus, Inflamase, Ocu-Pred, Omnipred, Pred Forte, and others. Here's how to store them:

• Refrigeration:

  • Not usually required

• Storage temperature:

  • Keep at room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

  • Store away from light and moisture

• Important note:

  • Some brands may use different preservatives or unique formulas

  • Always check the packaging or leaflet of your specific product for exact instructions

Do Tobramycin eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Tobramycin eye drops, are antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, and they do not require refrigeration. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Storage temperature:

  • Keep at room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

• Storage precautions:

  • Avoid heat, direct light, and moisture

  • Always secure the cap tightly after each use to prevent contamination

• Why it matters:

  • Proper storage maintains the stability and efficacy of the antibiotic throughout the treatment

Do Rocklatan eye drops refrigerated?

Rocklatan eye drops (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution), are used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Here's how to store them properly:

• Before opening:

  • Must be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (35°F to 46°F)

  • Refrigeration helps preserve the effectiveness of the active ingredients

• After opening:

  • Can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature

  • Room temperature should not exceed 25°C (77°F)

  • Must be used within six weeks

• Why it matters:

  • Proper storage ensures the medication remains stable and effective until finished

Should Dorzolamide eye drops be refrigerated?

Dorzolamide eye drops, sold as Trusopt Ocumeter and Trusopt Ocumeter Plus, are used to treat glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure. Here's how to store them:

• Refrigeration:

  • Not required

• Storage temperature:

  • Store at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

  • Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat

• After use:

  • Always close the container tightly to maintain sterility and effectiveness

Do Tacrolimus eye drops need to be refrigerated?

Tacrolimus eye drops are commonly used to treat severe allergic eye conditions and to prevent corneal transplant rejection. Proper storage is essential for maintaining their effectiveness:

• Before opening:

  • Refrigeration is typically required

  • Store between 2°C and 8°C (35°F to 46°F) to preserve stability and effectiveness

• After opening:

  • Some formulations may allow for room temperature storage for a limited time

  • It is crucial to check the specific packaging or product leaflet for exact instructions

Related article: How to Travel with Eye Drops That Need Refrigeration?

List of Other Eye Drops That Should Be Refrigerated

There are likely hundreds to perhaps thousands different types and brands of eye drops available in the U.S. market. This includes a wide range of products designed for various eye conditions and symptoms, from major pharmaceutical brands to generic options and different formulations such as preservative-free versions, multi-dose units, and varying strengths for specific conditions like glaucoma, allergies, or dry eyes.

Each type and brand of eye drop comes with its own storage temperature requirements. Given the vast array of options, it is impractical to list all the storage guidelines here. We strongly recommend that you consult the storage instructions provided with your specific eye medication to ensure proper care.

Meanwhile, here's a list of more eye drops that do require refrigeration:

• Cyclosporine eye drops
• Fluorescein eye drops
• IGF-1 eye drops
• Ceftazidime eye drops
• Ganciclovir eye drops
• Bevacizumab eye drops (under research)
• Fortified tobramycin eye drops
• Gentamicin eye drops
• Interferon eye drops (under research)
• Vitamin A eye drops
• Others

How Long Are Eye Drops Good For?

The shelf life of eye drops, both before and after opening, varies significantly based on their formulation, packaging, and preservatives used.

Before opening

Unopened eye drops generally have a shelf life of 1 to 3 years, depending on the specific ingredients and preservatives used. This expiry date assumes that the drops are stored correctly, typically at room temperature and away from direct light, unless otherwise specified (like those needing refrigeration). It's important to always check the expiration date printed on the bottle or box before use.

After opening

Once opened, the shelf life of eye drops can vary significantly. Preservative-free eye drops are often packaged in single-use vials and should be used immediately upon opening. If they are in multi-use bottles, they typically need to be used within 14 to 30 days after opening, as they lack preservatives that would help prevent bacterial growth.

Eye drops with preservatives can generally be used for up to 28 days after opening, though some may last longer up to 90 days. The preservatives help prevent microbial growth, which can contaminate the drops and pose a risk to eye health.

General Tips for Eye Drop Storage

• Check expiration dates. Always observe the expiry dates provided on the packaging. Do not use eye drops beyond these dates.
• Mark the opening date. It's a good practice to write the date of opening on the bottle to help keep track of how long the drops have been in use.
• Follow storage instructions. Adhere strictly to storage instructions. Some drops require refrigeration, while others should be kept at room temperature.
• Observe changes in the solution. If you notice any discoloration, cloudiness, or particulate matter in the eye drops, discard them immediately and ask for your doctor or pharmacist's advice.
• Maintain good hygiene. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, including the eye, to prevent contamination.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your eye drops remain effective and safe for use, minimizing risks of eye infections or complications from improper medication usage.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• ❄️ Some eye drops must be refrigerated (e.g., Latanoprost, Rocklatan, Tacrolimus) to preserve effectiveness, especially preservative-free or sensitive formulations.

• 🌡️ Storage temperatures matter: Refrigerated drops need 2°C-8°C; others should stay between 15°C-25°C to avoid degradation.

• 💧 Cold eye drops may soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and offer relief for dry or allergic eyes.

• 📦 Always check the label or leaflet for specific storage instructions-different brands/formulas may vary.

• 🚫 Avoid heat, moisture, and sunlight to maintain safety, potency, and prevent contamination.

💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!

We value your input! Feel free to comment below with your questions, personal experiences, or any tips you might have about eye drops refrigeration and storage!

Article Last Updated on July 4, 2024

📆 Article Update History:

✅ Updated: April 10, 2025

✅ Updated: July 4, 2024

Originally Published: April 28, 2022