Preservative-free eye drops

Please read this leaflet carefully before starting to use these eye drops. If you do not understand it or you want to know more please ask your doctor or a pharmacist.

Why you need preservative free eye drops

These are eye drops manufactured without a preservative.
A preservative is a substance that is normally added to the eye drops to keep them in good condition and prolong their life. Preservatives can sometimes irritate the eyes in patients with certain eye conditions, therefore your ophthalmologist has decided preservative free eye drops would be best for you.
You must continue to use the preservative free eye drops you have been prescribed unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.

Who has made your medicine?

Preservative free eye drops come from a number of sources but some of them need to be specially manufactured.
Sometimes, due to the special nature of these preservative free eye drops there can be supply problems.

What are your eye drops used for?

The eye drops you are prescribed can be used to treat a variety of problems affecting the surface of the eye. Your ophthalmologist will explain this to you.
If you have any queries about the preservative free eye drops ask a pharmacist or your doctor to help you.

Before you use these eye drops

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you must tell your doctor or pharmacist before using them.

Have you had any unusual or allergic reaction to the ingredients in these eye drops (see label on bottle or box)?
Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant?
Are you breastfeeding a baby?

How should you store your eye drops?

It is important to read the label and follow the requirements for storage instructions carefully:

Room temperature (below 25°C)
Refrigerate (between 2°C - 8°C)
Freeze (-2°C or below)

Most of the preservative free eye drops in bottles must be discarded one week after opening (even if there is still some of the eye drops left) but there are exceptions. Minims should be discarded after single use unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or a pharmacist.

Never use your eye drops after the expiry date shown on the label.

Instructions for using the eye drops

Always wash your hands before and after administration.
Once you have opened the bottle you should check the expiry date carefully.
To help prevent contamination of the eye drops, try to avoid touching your eye with the eyedropper and replace it in the bottle immediately after you have allowed time for the eye drops to go into the eye.
It is important to keep the eye drops in the original container they are supplied in. Do not pour the drops into any other container.
Keep the eye drops in a safe place out of the reach of children.
Never allow anyone else to use the drops you have been prescribed.
After you have finished using a bottle of eye drops either throw them away or return them to any pharmacy for disposal.

How do you obtain a further supply?

If your treatment needs to be continued your doctor should be able to give you a further prescription. He/she will need at least two weeks notice because it may take your community pharmacy some time (one to two weeks) to obtain a supply of these types eye drops.