Researchers at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai have uncovered substantial waste in the use of multiuse eye drop bottles, with 72% of the medication remaining in bottles when discarded. Their study, presented during the 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology  meeting in Chicago, highlights the cost and environmental impact of clinics disposing of eye drops long before their expiration dates.

The study found that clinics typically dispose of bottles 14 to 28 days after first use, despite expiration dates being up to 18 months away. Researchers estimate that by following expiration dates regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 91% of medication in multiuse eye drop bottles could be fully used, potentially saving millions in costs and preventing eye drop shortages nationwide.

“We were really surprised by just how much medication was being wasted,” said researcher John Tan of New York Eye and Ear. “We hope that clinics and providers use the FDA-regulated expiration date printed on each bottle. Considering the frequent medication shortages we have to contend with, this is one simple way to reduce the strain on our supply of ophthalmic medications.” RP