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

According to the study, 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 FDA, 91% of medication in multiuse eyedrop bottles could be fully used, potentially saving millions in costs and preventing eyedrop 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.”