Pharmacist 'check yours tonight' alert to anyone using eye drops

Pharmacist 'check yours tonight' alert to anyone using eye drops Pharmacist Raj Patel urged people to act quickly Millions of people across the UK use eye drops for a range of reasons, from dryness and irritation to inflammation and redness. But a respected pharmacist has urged people to check their eye drops 'tonight' to make sure they are suitable for use. Raj Patel, also known as TikTok's Straight-Talking Pharmacist, urged people to look closely at the bottle. He warned that some people might be leaving them opened for longer than is recommended. This, he warned, could lead to germs finding their way 'inside the bottle'. He gave simple instructions on what people should do. He said: "You've found your eye drops, they're still in date - but when did you open them? That expiry date still matters but, once opened, there can be a shorter limit because germs can get inside the bottle. "So here's what I'd do. Once you open the bottle, write the date that you opened it on the box or on the bottle, then open the box and check how long you can use it after opening. It's not always 28 days. "Different bottles and single-use droppers can have different instructions. If you're unsure, let your pharmacist know and let them check it for you. Don't stop prescribed treatment and ask us to help you get a replacement. Check yours tonight - when did you open them?" NHS advice Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust says that eye drops 'work in different ways' depending on what you need them for, so it is important to speak to your 'clinician, nurse or pharmacist to ensure that you understand why you are using your eye drops, how to use your eye drops and when to use your eye drops'. It also warns that eye drops are not always easy to administer: "Whether you are administering them to yourself or to another person, there are several reasons it can be tricky to put them into the eye. "For instance, patients have reported feeling their arm/hand shaking whilst holding the bottle above their eye and experiencing drops run down their face and into their mouth, leaving an unpleasant taste. "It is important to ensure that you position your eye drop bottle accurately over your eye at a safe distance and angle so the whole drop falls into the eye. This also helps ensure you don’t damage your eye surface, or contaminate the nozzle should it touch your eye or surrounding skin." Tips when using eye drops A statement on the Moorfields website says: - Wash your hands and shake the bottle before use. - Never share your eye drops with anyone else. - Store them as instructed, whether that is at room temperature (never near a radiator) or in the fridge. - Use your drops only within the expiry date on the bottle, and within the expiry once opened. This is usually 28 days once the bottle is open, but can vary for different eye drop bottles, so always check to ensure they are safe to use. This is to ensure they are not contaminated or have become less effective. It is a good idea to write the date that you open the bottle onto the label so you know when it will expire. - Order further supplies from your GP before your bottle has finished. This will ensure that you do not run out of drops. Please note: Moorfields does not issue repeat prescriptions. These will be issued by your GP at your request if required. - Use your eye drops at the same time each day, and as evenly spaced out throughout the day as possible. - Only administer the number of drops advised by your clinician, which is usually just one drop. - If you feel that you may have missed your eye when instilling a drop, you can safely try again immediately. Any excess volume will simply run out of your eye and will not cause harm to your eye. - If you are using more than one type of drop in the same eye, remember to leave a five-minute gap between drops to allow the first drop to be absorbed. Otherwise, the second drop will wash the first drop out, causing it to be ineffective. - If you are using an eye ointment at the same time as your eye drops, always use your eye drops first and leave a five-minute gap before using the ointment. - If applicable, check with your clinician, nurse or pharmacist if you should remove your contact lenses before using your drops. - If you are having difficulty opening your drop container or bottle, or having difficulty squeezing a drop into your eye, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Drop administration aids or alternative drop containers/bottles are often available. 'Throw away the eye drops' People should be aware that some eye drops may sting or irritate for a short while after putting them in, but they should let a pharmacist or clinician know if symptoms become worse or if you experience any other side effects. The NHS also urges people to make sure they read the label on the eye drops before administering them. You should store them in a cool, dark place, recap the bottle immediately after use, and store them in an upright position. Much like Mr Patel was saying, it urges people to 'throw away the eye drops after the treatment is finished. If treatment is for longer than four weeks a fresh bottle should be obtained every 28 days'. Ensure our latest DWP headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings